Ganglion Cyst
Description
A ganglion cyst is a noncancerous, fluid-filled mass that most commonly develops along the tendon sheath or joint capsule on the wrist or hand, but may also occur at other joints. Most common location for a ganglion cyst to present is the dorsal side of the wrist over the scapholunate ligament. The second most common area is the volar side of the wrist in or near the radiocarpal joint. The exact cause of a ganglion cyst to develop is unclear. The cyst grows out of the lining of a tendon or joint, and seems to occur from the tissue around a tendon or the joint bulges out of place from possible repetitive motion on the joint or trauma, causing synovial fluid to leak out of the joint capsule. Inside the cyst is a similar fluid to what is found in intra-articular synovial fluid, except that the fluid is much thicker inside the cyst. In many cases, the cysts goes away on its own. However, if the cyst is irritating or restricting an individual's activity, a physician may suggest to have a trained health professional perform needle aspiration to drain synovial fluid from the cyst. If the needle aspiration treatment fails and the cyst regrows then suggest removing the cyst surgically. Surgery has the lowest percent chance of the cyst returning, but may have side effects of scar tissue.
Signs & Symptoms
- Typically painless
- Painful if a cyst compresses the median or ulnar nerve at the wrist. Even if a cyst is too small to form a noticeable lump it can cause pain, tingling, radiate up the arm, numbness or muscle weakness
- May have limited joint movement in the affected area
- More likely to be irritating/annoying rather than debilitating
Diagnostic Tests
- Palpation of the cyst (mass) produces tenderness or discomfort
- Shine flashlight to the affected area and mass transiluminates (best used on larger ganglion cysts)
- Ultrasound imaging to identify the cyst (mass)
PT Implications
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Short-term immobilization
- Patient education on the nature of a cyst to alleviate patient fears, and for patient to make daily observations of their hand or wrist to see if the cyst gets larger after doing repetitive movements. If cyst gets larger reduce activity at the affected joint.
[Ganglion Cyst resources listed under References section]
Picture taken from: http://carpaltunnelpros.com/portfolio-view/ganglion-cyst/
Picture taken from: http://carpaltunnelpros.com/portfolio-view/ganglion-cyst/