Ganglion cyst is most common around the hand and wrist. These non-malignant cysts do not spread to different parts of the body. It contains a liquid substance in the form of a gel or jelly. Although the exact cause of formation is unknown, it is thought to occur after straining the joints and tendons. It is most commonly observed on the back of the wrist. The palm-facing area of the wrist joint and the joint edge of the fingertips are other common areas. These cysts may vary in size over time. They can grow as well as shrink or disappear altogether. They may reappear after a while after they disappear completely, with strain on the joint.
What is a Ganglion Cyst?
Ganglion cysts are benign cyst formations filled with a viscous fluid, affecting tendons and joints. Ganglion cysts, which usually occur on the back of the hand, wrist and ankle, are unlikely to turn into malignant tumors. Intense fluid-filled swellings, similar to joint fluid, can be small in size or in sizes such as 2.5-3 cm. Since the cysts, which are small in size at first, can grow over time, patients go to the doctor worried about cancer. If the doctor has diagnosed that he has a ganglion cyst after his examinations and tests, there is no need to worry about cancer. The fluid in the ganglion cyst is similar to the joint synovial fluid.
What are the Causes of Ganglion Cyst?
Although the exact cause and source of the ganglion cyst is not known, it is known that it occurs as a result of strain-herniation in the tendons and joint capsule. The fluid that accumulates in the cyst in the wrist is similar to the joint fluid. The accumulation of the pumped joint fluid in the cyst increases with joint movements.
How Is the Diagnosis of Ganglion Cyst?
First of all, the doctor tries to understand the character of the cyst by performing a physical examination in the diagnosis of ganglion cyst. Evaluates the severity and limits of pain by applying pressure on the cyst. If he suspects other possibilities, he will request imaging methods such as MRI, ultrasound, X-ray. Thus, the diagnosis of ganglion cyst is made and the spread of the cyst is determined. The treatment method to be applied according to the spread of the cyst is decided by the doctor.
Ga What are the Symptoms of an Anglion Cyst?
The symptoms of a ganglion cyst vary according to the size of the cyst and its location. Most of the time, small cysts do not even cause symptoms. It is possible to detect another disease during the examination. The first symptom of a ganglion cyst is swelling on the back of the hand, foot and wrist. This swelling tends to grow over time due to reasons such as age and physical activity. The swelling, which grows in a round or oval shape, can grow up to 2.5-3 cm. If the ganglion cysts are pressing on the nerves according to their location, then pain-numbness-electricity formation can also be seen. Although the severity of the pain varies from person to person, it usually increases as its size increases in cases where it presses on the nerve. Over time, as a result of the hardening of the ganglion cyst, its consistency increases and gives the appearance of a bony prominence to the wrist. Cyst formation on the wrist can also restrict movement.
What are Ganglion Cyst Risk Factors?
As in every disease, there are risk factors affecting the formation of ganglion cysts. Genetic structure and lifestyle have a significant effect on diseases. Risk factors for cyst formation include osteoarthritis, i.e. calcification, tendon and joint injuries, and advancing age. Ganglion cyst is mostly seen between the ages of 30-50, while its incidence is higher in women than in men. Occupation is also one of the important risk factors in the formation of cysts. Cyst formation and recurrence are common in occupational groups where the wrists and ankles are overworked. Therefore, the risk factors affecting the formation of ganglion cysts can be listed as follows:
- Gender
- Age
- Occupation
- Trauma
- Sports activity
- Diseases affecting joints such as osteoarthritis
What are Ganglion Cyst Treatment Methods?
Treatment method for ganglion cyst, The size of the cyst is decided according to the cause of the cyst and the complaints caused by the cyst. Generally, small and non-complaining cysts are observed rather than treated. The condition of the cyst is checked at certain intervals and if there is progress, then it is intervened. A phased approach is used in the treatment of the cyst. Firstly, with fixation and aspiration, t is tried to be treated. If the cyst recurs or cannot be resolved with other treatment methods, surgery is performed. Ganglion cyst treatment methods can be explained as follows: For this reason, the growth of the cyst can be prevented and even reduced by fixing the place where the cyst is formed. Slings and wrist splints are preferred to restrict movement and keep it stable. However, in long-term use, it is used in short-term treatments because it weakens the muscles. The fluid in the ganglion cyst that causes swelling is aspirated and drained. In some cases, it is tried to prevent the recurrence of the cyst by injecting steroids into the treated area. Aspiration should be performed by the health personnel in the clinic. Never try to pop and drain the cyst yourself because it can cause serious health problems. (It may cause damage to nerves and vessels or cause infection).
How is Ganglion Cyst Surgery Performed?
The location and size of the cyst in the surgery performed for ganglion cyst surgery. The cyst is reached by making an incision. It is removed as a whole without fragmentation and damage by monitoring the joint capsule and the ligaments of the cyst to which it is attached. Since the joints are movable structures, there are restrictions in daily life and business life. For this reason, the faster the recovery process, the sooner the patient returns to his normal life. After the operation, the treated area can be fixed with the use of a splint for a while. But even if the wrist is fixed, the fingers should be kept moving.
Does Ganglion Cyst Recur?
Since ganglion cyst can be seen in various joints and tendons in the body, recurrence of the cyst may occur in the same region or in different regions. In occupations where the wrists and ankles are overworked and there is a genetic predisposition. It is possible for the cyst to recur in n people. After fixation or aspiration treatments, the probability of recurrence of the cyst is high. After ganglion cyst surgery, the probability of recurrence of the cyst is very low. Those who have ganglion cyst surgery will get rid of the aesthetic problem of the cyst and the pain and pressure it creates.
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