Table of contents:
- Ganglion cyst definition
- Ganglion cyst signs & symptoms
- 1. Location
- 2. Size and shape
- 3. The pain caused
- Causes of ganglion cysts
- Ganglion cyst risk factors
- 1. Gender and age
- 2. Osteoarthritis
- 3. Tendon and joint injuries
- Ganglion cyst diagnosis & treatment
- Medical history and physical exam
- X-ray
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- What are the treatments that can be done to treat ganglion cysts?
- 1. Immobilization
- 2. Aspirations
- 3. Operations
Ganglion cyst definition
Musculoskeletal disorders are a collection of various diseases and health problems that attack the human movement system. The health problems most often experienced are bone loss and arthritis.
However, who would have thought that there was a movement disorder that could occur due to a cyst? A ganglion is a non-cancerous cyst or lump that generally forms on the tendons and joints at the top of the wrist, the palm side of the wrist, the base of the fingers on the palm side, and the top of the finger tip joints.
Even so, ganglions may also appear in the ankle and foot area. Usually, the ganglion is round or oval in size and contains a fluid that is shaped like a jelly.
The ganglion that is still small is usually shaped like a pea grain. Meanwhile, the larger ganglion generally has a diameter of about 2.5 centimeters (cm).
These cysts can cause pain in the area of the hand, especially when the cyst presses on the surrounding nerves. In fact, the location of these cysts can interfere with joint movement.
If the cyst is bothersome and uncomfortable, the doctor may recommend removing all of the fluid in the cyst using a needle.
In addition, your doctor may also advise you to undergo surgical removal of the cyst. However, if the condition causes no symptoms at all, this cyst may not need to be treated. Why? These cysts can disappear on their own.
Ganglion cyst signs & symptoms
To distinguish a ganglion from various other joint health problems, pay attention to the common symptoms of a ganglion, such as the following:
1. Location
These cysts usually form in a tendon or joint found in the wrist or other area of the hand. However, a ganglion can appear on the ankle or other part of the leg. These cysts can also appear around other joints.
2. Size and shape
Ganglion cysts are usually round or oval in shape and usually no more than 1 inch or 2.5 centimeters in diameter. In fact, in certain cases, these cysts are too small to be felt.
Even so, these cysts can increase in size on their own, especially if you use the joints around the cyst to perform repetitive movements.
3. The pain caused
The pain or tenderness that occurs usually occurs when the cyst presses on the surrounding nerves. Even if the cyst that appears is still very small and not visible.
Not only pain, these cysts can cause numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.
Causes of ganglion cysts
Actually, the cause of the formation of ganglion cysts is still not known with certainty. Although, this condition tends to be more susceptible to those of you who are young, namely the age range of 15-40 years. Generally, women experience it more often than men.
Not only that, this condition is usually more common in sportsmen who repeatedly use the wrist to apply pressure.
Then, ganglion cysts that usually form at the end of the finger joints are usually associated with arthritis or arthritis that attacks the joints in the fingers. This condition is more susceptible to women when they enter the age of 40-70 years.
Ganglion cyst risk factors
Apart from the causes, there are also risk factors for ganglion cysts that you should pay attention to, such as the following:
1. Gender and age
As mentioned earlier, ganglion cysts are more susceptible to women in the 20-40 year age range.
2. Osteoarthritis
If you have a medical history of osteoarthritis in the joints of the fingers to the fingernails, you are at risk of developing a ganglion in the joint area.
3. Tendon and joint injuries
If you have previously injured a tendon or joint, you are more prone to developing ganglion cysts.
Ganglion cyst diagnosis & treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons through OrthoInfo states that there are several methods that can be done to diagnose ganglion cysts, including:
Medical history and physical exam
When you first check with your doctor, your medical history and symptoms will be checked. The doctor may ask further questions such as how long has the ganglion been present, whether it has changed in size, and whether it causes pain.
To identify the texture of the lump, whether soft or hard, the doctor may touch and try to press on this gangliong cyst. In addition, because the cyst contains fluid, this lump will appear clearer and brighter.
To determine whether the lump that appears is this cyst, the doctor may shine a light on the lump. If this lump is indeed a gangliong cyst, it will look bright and clear when exposed to light.
X-ray
The test using X-rays will form bright images of dense structures in the body, such as the body's skeleton. Although X-rays will not directly show these cysts, at least they can help rule out other diseases, such as arthritis or bone cancer.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Imaging tests like this can show fine tissue such as ganglion more clearly. In fact, an MRI or ultrasound will be needed to find a ganglion that is usually not visible to the naked eye.
What are the treatments that can be done to treat ganglion cysts?
Some cases of ganglion usually do not cause pain, so there is no need to undergo treatment to treat it, because over time these cysts can disappear on their own.
However, in some cases, these cysts do need to be treated with medication because they can cause pain and interfere with joint movement.
Some of the treatment methods that can be tried are:
1. Immobilization
Actively moving hands or feet that have ganglion cysts can cause them to increase in size. This change in size makes treatment using immobilization methods such as bandages or using other medical aids the most appropriate methods.
When the cyst shrinks again, the pressure on the nerves eases, so the pain gradually subsides. Although they can be used, avoid using medical aids or bandaging methods for too long, as they can trigger muscle weakness.
2. Aspirations
To perform this one procedure, the doctor will usually use a needle to suck out the fluid that is in this cyst. Even so, the cyst may not be removed and will not disappear even after fluid has been removed.
3. Operations
If other methods of treatment have not had a significant effect, you may consider surgery for the treatment of a ganglion cyst.
During a surgical procedure, your doctor will remove any cysts and stalks that may be attached to a joint or tendon. Even so, you need to know that this surgical procedure has the potential to damage the nerves, blood vessels, or tendons that are around it.
