Ganglion Cysts
Have you noticed any lumps or bumps on your hand or
wrist? You may have a ganglion cyst. A ganglion cyst is a firm,
fluid-filled mass that may appear on the back of the wrist, palm side
of the wrist, or at the base of the fingers. These cysts usually come
from a nearby joint or around a tendon. Although ganglion cysts are
common, they do not spread, do not become cancerous but can often
change in size and sometimes disappear by themselves.
A ganglion cyst may be painful, especially when using your
wrist and hand. Most often, there is no specific cause, however,
ganglion cysts may occur after an injury to the wrist.
Your doctor can usually diagnose a cyst by examining your
hand. He may order an x-ray to rule out other problems such as
arthritis.
Some ganglion cysts will shrink and become painless
without treatment. If the cyst becomes unsightly or painful, your
doctor may recommend:
•Extracting fluid from the cyst with a needle followed by an injection of cortisone to relieve
the irritation.
•A pressure dressing worn at all times, except when bathing, for 2 weeks.
•A wrist splint worn at all times, except when bathing, for 4 weeks.
If other treatments do not relieve your symptoms or if the
cyst returns after conservative treatment, your doctor may recommend
outpatient surgical removal.
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