What causes Ganglion Cysts?
Most Ganglion Cysts arise spontaneously but occasionally there is a history of injury or the joint is starting to develop arthritis.
What are the Symptoms
A swelling becomes noticeable and it may or may not be painful.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis is usually straightforward as Ganglion Cysts tend to be smooth and round, fluctuate in size and occur at characteristic locations in the hand and wrist. If the diagnosis is uncertain then scans may be helpful.
What is the Treatment for Ganglions Cysts?
Ganglion Cysts are harmless and can safely be left alone. Many disappear spontaneously and many others cause little trouble. There are no long term consequences from leaving the Ganglion untreated.
For Ganglion Cysts in general, the possibilities for treatment:
-
Explanation, reassurance and wait to see if the cyst disappears spontaneously
-
Removal of the liquid contents of the cyst with a needle (aspiration) under local anaesthetic
-
Surgical removal of the cyst
For any individual cyst, the recommendations for treatment will depend on the location of the cyst and on the symptoms that it is causing.
Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Cyst.
Typically occurs in young adults and often disappears spontaneously. Aspiration can reduce the swelling but it often returns. The risk of recurrence after surgery is around 10%, and problems after surgery include persistent pain, loss of wrist movement and painful trapping of nerve branches in the scar.
Palmar Wrist Ganglion Cyst.
May occur in young adults, but also seen in association with wrist arthritis in older individuals. Aspiration may be useful, but care is needed as the cyst is often close to the artery at the wrist (where you can feel the pulse). The risk of recurrence after surgery is around 30%, and problems after surgery include persistent pain, loss of wrist movement and trapping of nerve branches in the scar. For these reasons, many surgeons advise against operation for these cysts.
Flexor Tendon Sheath Ganglion Cyst.
Typically occurs in young adults, causing pain when gripping and feeling like a dried pea sitting on the tendon sheath at the base of the finger. Puncture of the cyst with a fine needle can disperse it – like puncturing a balloon - and fewer than half return. Persistent cysts can be removed surgically and the risk of recurrence is small.
Dorsal Digital Ganglion Cyst.
Usually in middle-aged or older people and associated with early osteoarthritis of the end joint of a finger. Pressure from the cyst may cause a furrow in the fingernail. Occasionally the cyst fluid leaks through the thin overlying skin from time to time. The risk of recurrence after surgery is around 10% and problems after surgery include infection, stiffness and pain from the arthritic joint.
Recovery after the Surgery
Mr Khan will stitch up the wound and a bandage will be placed over the area. This helps keep the area clean, reducing the risk of infection, as well as keeping it safe from any accidental bumps. The wound isn't usually painful, but you'll be given painkillers to take if you feel any discomfort after the operation.
If the Cyst was removed from your wrist or hand, you may need to wear a sling for the first few days. This helps keep your arm safe from any accidental knocks, and may help reduce swelling and discomfort. Move your fingers regularly to help keep the joints flexible.
Surgery to remove a Ganglion Cyst leaves a scar, which can occasionally be thick and red. For some people, the skin around the scar remains numb after the operation.
You'll usually experience some bruising in the area after your operation, but this should fade quickly. There's also a small possibility of temporary stiffness, swelling or pain afterwards. This may be caused by a minor infection that can be treated using antibiotics. Lasting pain or stiffness may need further treatment with physiotherapy.
How much time you need to take off work after surgery to remove a Ganglion Cyst largely depends on where the Ganglion is and your job. If your job involves manual labour, you may need to take time off. You can usually start driving again once it feels safe.
Complications
Having a Ganglion Cyst removed is a minor procedure, so complications are rare and seldom serious. However, a small number of people experience permanent stiffness and pain after surgery.
GANGLION CYSTS
Click Image To Enlarge
What is Ganglion Cysts?
Ganglion Cysts are the commonest type of swelling in the hand and wrist. They contain a thick clear fluid and can arise a variety of structures but there are four common locations in the hand and wrist - in the middle of the back of the wrist (from the Scapholunate Ligament), on the front of the wrist at the base of the thumb (from the wrist joint), at the base of a finger on the palmar side (from the tendon sheath), and on the back of an end joint of a finger (from the end joint).