Acne, Pimples and Skin Disorders |
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Ganglion Cyst , Causes, Symptoms, Ganglion Cyst Treatment
A ganglion cyst is a mass of tissue or sweeling
under the skin that is filled with a thick, jelly-like liquid.
The word "ganglion" means "knot" and is used to describe the knot-like mass or lump of cells that forms below the surface of the skin.
These cysts are usually the result of an injury or trauma that you may not recall.
The increase in size usually occurs with irritation. These cysts are benign.
They may be rock hard due to a high pressure of the mucous like fluid contained within the cyst, and are often mistaken for a bony prominence.
A ganglion cyst is the most common lump on the hand, and tends to target women between the ages of 20 and 40 years of age, for reasons unknown and
commonly, ganglions are seen on the wrist (usually the back side) and fingers, but they can also develop around joints on the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip, ankle and foot.
If your ganglion cyst is painful, or if it interferes with your mobility or causes sensations of numbness or pins and needles, see your doctor.
mentioned earlier, ganglia can occur when there is a small tear in the ligament overlying a tendon sheath or joint capsule.
Ganglion cysts vary in size, may get smaller and larger over time and may even disappear, only to possibly return later.
Cause of Ganglion Cyst
The cause of ganglia is not completely understood, and there have been conflicting views on their origin.
Non-occupational factors or conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis have been associated with ganglion cysts.
Signs and Symptoms of Ganglion Cyst
Ganglion Cyst have a tendency to wax and wane in size, presumably as the fluid contained within the cyst drains back into the joint or tendon sheath and again produces fluid and fills. The biggest problem with a ganglion may be the fear a patient may have that it is something more ominous. Ganglia are often painless; however, they may cause pain with movement or cause mechanical problems (limiting range of movement) depending on where they are located. More symptoms of a ganglion cyst include:
- Noticeable swelling or lump.
- The lump is able to change its size, including going away completely only to return.
- The lump is usually soft and immobile.
- In some cases, the lump is painful and aching, particularly those at the base of fingers.
- The ache and pain is made worse by moving any nearby joints.
- The affected tendon may cause a sensation of muscular weakness.
- The back of the hands and wrists are most commonly affected.
- Other sites include the back of the knee (Bakers cyst), ankle, foot, palm and fingers.
Treatment options for ganglion cysts
If a ganglion cyst tends to reoccur, surgical removal may be recommended. Treatment options include surgical removal nad also non-surgical methods. In many cases, these cysts can simply be observed, especially if they are painless.
If the ganglion is causing discomfort or mechanical problems, there are two main options for relief: aspiration (removal of the cyst contents with a needle) and surgical removal of the cyst itself. Home Treatment includes - Ice
and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or aspirin to relieve pain and swelling.
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