Treating And Managing Ganglion Cysts

A ganglion cyst is a benign tumor or swelling that looks like a small, translucent fluid sac under the skin. The usual size is between .4 and 1.2 inches. It occurs most often on the back of the wrist, but it can occur on the inside of the wrist, the ankle, knee, shoulder or the tip or base of the fingers or toes. Trauma or excess stress on a joint can give rise to a ganglion cyst. These cysts are the second highest cause for surgery in the wrist joint, with carpal tunnel syndrome being the first. Women are three times more likely to develop a ganglion cyst than men, and they usually occur between twenty and forty years old. Ganglion cysts are benign (noncancerous) growths and are usually asymptomatic, requiring no treatment. When they do require treatment, one of the following methods is typically used.

Immobilization With Splints

When treatment for a ganglion cyst is deemed necessary by a physician, one possibility is immobilization with splints or braces. At times, a ganglion cyst will increase in size and begin to press on surrounding nerves, causing discomfort. The combination of larger size and discomfort may lead to a compromised range of motion, affecting daily activities. Wearing the brace or splint for a time may help shrink the ganglion cyst, but it is crucial to check with a physician about how long it is safe to splint the area without causing loss of muscle strength. Exercises will eventually be recommended to avoid deterioration of the joint and build strength and dexterity. Often physicians will recommend a medication such as ibuprofen to ease the discomfort of an enlarged ganglion cyst while the splint is being worn.

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Aspiration

If a ganglion cyst continues to cause excessive pain or restricts the mobility of the affected area, a procedure called aspiration may be recommended. This procedure involves puncturing the cyst with a sterile needle to draw out the enclosed fluid. The area around the cyst will be numbed first, and then the needle aspiration will be accomplished. Following the removal of the clear cystic fluid, the physician may inject a steroid, which serves as an anti-inflammatory to ease pain and prevent a recurrence of the cyst. Often a single fluid-draw will be sufficient to keep the cyst from recurring. Other times, it may be necessary to repeat the procedure, as the cyst is not destroyed and may refill with fluid. If the fluid is extracted three times, the chances of cure are greatly increased, especially when the cyst is on the back of the wrist or hand.

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