Ganglion cyst

Ganglion cyst
Other namesGanglia, synovial cyst,[1] Gideon's disease, Olamide's cyst, Bible cyst, Bible bump[2]
Cyst on dorsum of left hand close to the wrist
SpecialtyPlastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, hand surgery
SymptomsSmall soft bump associated with a joint or tendon sheath[3]
ComplicationsOnly with operative treatment
Usual onsetAny age
Diagnostic methodTypically based on signs[4]
Differential diagnosisLipoma, extensor tenosynovitis[4]
TreatmentWatchful waiting, splinting the affected joint, needle aspiration, surgery[3]
PrognosisNot serious[3]
Frequency~3 per 10,000 per year (wrist and hand)[5]

A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled bump associated with a joint or tendon sheath.[3] It most often occurs at the back of the wrist, followed by the front of the wrist.[3][4]

The cause is unknown.[3] The underlying mechanism is believed to involve an outpouching of the synovial membrane.[4] Diagnosis is typically based on examination. The ability to shine through the bump or any past decrease in size supports the diagnosis of the bump as a ganglion cyst.[4] Ganglion cysts are usually obvious upon observation. Medical imaging may be considered on infrequent occasions to rule out another diagnosis.[3][4]

Treatment is not necessary. Options for treatment include needle aspiration or surgery.[3] About half the time, they resolve on their own.[4] About three per 10,000 people newly develop ganglion of the wrist or hand a year.[5]

  1. ^ "National Library of Medicine - Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) - Ganglion Cyst". Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
  2. ^ "E-hand.com The Electronic Textbook of Hand Surgery". The American Society for Surgery of the Hand assh.com. Archived from the original on March 9, 2014. Retrieved April 12, 2014.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h "Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist and Hand-OrthoInfo". orthoinfo.aaos.org. March 2013. Archived from the original on 6 July 2017. Retrieved 10 June 2017.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Ferri FF (2014). Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2015 E-Book: 5 Books in 1. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 472. ISBN 9780323084307. Archived from the original on 2017-09-10.
  5. ^ a b Cooney WP (2011). The Wrist: Diagnosis and Operative Treatment. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 1089. ISBN 9781451148268. Archived from the original on 2017-09-10.