Ganglion Cyst
What are some associations that can happen with ganglion cysts?
Compression of median or ulnar nerves. Ischaemia of the hand
What are some complications of ganglion cysts?
Infection and neurovascular injuries
What is a ganglion cyst?
It is a mucin-filled synovial cyst. It is a soft tissue lump
What is the cause of ganglion cysts?
It is caused by fluid leaking from the joint space into the surrounding tissues. There is no real epithelial lining
What do you expect when you palplate a ganglion cyst?
It is firm and well circumscribed, fixed to deep tissue but not overlying skin
What are some symptoms of a ganglion cyst?
It is usually asymptomatic. The only concern is usually cosmesis
What would the X ray of a person with only a ganglion cyst look like?
It would be completely normal
Where do ganglion cysts occur?
Most commonly in ad around joints and tendons on the hand or the feet
Is a biopsy indicated in a ganglion cyst?
No
Where on the body do you see most ganglion cysts?
On the dorsal aspect of the wrist and fingers
What are the surgical options for treating a ganglion cyst?
Aspiration and complete resection
Which tendon in the hand does the ganglion cyst tend to be over?
The extensor carpi radialis brevis (of compartment 2)
What are the non-operative treatment methods for a ganglion cyst?
The first line is to observe it. Home remedies like the big book is in circulation but not recommended by doctors.
With ganglion cysts, what is the direction of the fluid flow?
The fluid flows from the joint into the cyst, but not from the cysts to the joint
What is the problem with aspirating a ganglion cyst?
The recurrence rate is high
How do you diagnose a ganglion cyst?
They are visible and palpable. X rays can be used to rule out more serious pathologies. Ultrasound may be used to detect occult cysts
True or false, the recurrence rate of ganglion cysts treated by home remedies is high?
Yes
