Ganglion cysts are extremely common, noncancerous lumps that form on the hand and wrist. They can range from roughly the size of a pea to around 2.5 centimetres in diameter. They can form nearly anywhere on the hand or wrist, including on the palm, at the base of the fingers, or at the tips of the fingers, but most commonly form on the top of the wrist. Although ganglion cysts usually disappear on their own, they may require treatment if they cause pain, interfere with normal functions, place pressure on nerves, or are cosmetically unacceptable to the patient. Effective treatment for ganglion cysts is available at the Sutherland Shire offices of Southern Hand & Wrist, the practice of experienced hand and wrist surgeon Dr. Jai Sungaran.
If you have a ganglion cyst in need of treatment, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sungaran by contacting Southern Hand & Wrist, serving South-Eastern Sydney and other New South Wales neighbourhoods, today.
What are ganglion cysts?
Ganglion cysts are the most common type of growth that occurs on the hand. In the vast majority of cases, they are harmless. However, they can cause pain if they exert pressure on a nearby nerve. They can also interfere with basic movements of the hand or wrist depending on their size and location.
Although ganglion cysts take the appearance of tumours, they are not cancerous and are filled with a gel-like substance that can be drained if necessary. If the cyst is not creating any discomfort or interfering with essential functions, however, the best treatment may be no treatment at all. Most cysts disappear spontaneously, although recurrence is possible. Then again, recurrence is also possible if the cyst is surgically removed.
Ganglion cysts do not spread to other areas of the hand or body.
What causes ganglion cysts?
The precise cause of ganglion cysts is unknown. Cysts on the top of the wrist are most common among females between the ages of 15 and 40, especially those who place repeatedly place pressure on their wrists, although they can occur to people of all ages and either gender with no apparent trigger.
Mucous cysts are a specific type of ganglion cyst that forms on the final joint of the finger. The most common cause of this type of cyst is osteoarthritis of the hand.
What are the symptoms of a ganglion cyst?
This may seem like a self-evident question; however, some ganglion cysts are not immediately visible. Smaller ganglion cysts can go undetected under the skin, especially if they produce no symptoms. In such cases, there is no real need to be concerned about the cyst; if it is not causing sensations of pain, tingling, or numbness or interfering with basic functions, then it can be left alone. However, when patients do experience such symptoms, hidden ganglion cysts clinically known as occult ganglion cysts are among the conditions that Dr. Sungaran will check for.
How are ganglion cysts diagnosed?
The diagnosis of visible ganglion cysts is a relatively straightforward matter. Ganglion cysts are filled with a gel-like substance; therefore, they are translucent. This means that when Dr. Sungaran focuses a penlight upon the cyst, some of that light will shine through it. Nevertheless, he may order an MRI to confirm the diagnosis and check for other soft tissue abnormalities in the hand and wrist.
If an occult ganglion cyst is suspected, an MRI will be ordered in order to locate and diagnose the growth. X-rays will most likely also be ordered in order to rule out the possibility of bone spurs, bone tumours, or arthritis being the cause of the symptoms.
How are ganglion cysts treated?
Again, if the cyst is not causing any pain or limiting movement, the best treatment is simply to observe the cyst and allow it to subside on its own. It is best to rest the affected hand as much as possible while the cyst is present, as overuse of the hand can cause the cyst to grow and become painful.
If treatment is necessary, then Dr. Sungaran may at first recommend the more conservative option of aspiration. Aspiration involves the insertion of a needle into the cyst to withdraw the gel-like fluid within and decompress the cyst. In most cases, the cyst will not return, though recurrence is possible. Aspiration can safely be repeated as necessary.
If aspiration ultimately proves ineffective, then surgical removal of the cyst is an option. Surgery is more likely than aspiration to prevent recurrence of the cyst as both the cyst and a portion of the tissue to which it is attached are removed. The surgery can be likened to removing a weed at its roots. Nevertheless, even with surgery, recurrence is possible, though unlikely.
Learn More about the Treatment of Ganglion Cysts
To learn more about the treatment of ganglion cysts at our Sutherland Shire practice, please contact our Caringbah and Sydney Olympic Park clinic locations today.
