Ganglion cysts

Overview 

Ganglion cysts are noncancerous bumps, which are usually circular or oval in shape and have a jelly–like fluid inside. 

Ganglion cysts typically develop at particular joints. Using the affected joint could intensify any discomfort you already experience and cause more swelling.  

Ganglion cysts commonly appear on:  

• Wrist: Front or back area. 
• Finger: Any joint of the finger 
• Foot: Near your toes or ankles.  

Larger ganglion cysts can be around an inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter, but smaller ones can be pea–sized. In cases when they push on a neighboring nerve, ganglion cysts can be unpleasant. Sometimes, their position prevents joints from moving freely.

Your doctor could advise trying to empty the cyst with a needle if your ganglion cyst is uncomfortable. Another approach is to surgically remove the cyst. However, there is no need for treatment if there are no symptoms. The cysts frequently disappear on their own. 

Symptoms

The following characteristics apply to lumps connected to ganglion cysts: 

• Location. Ganglion cysts most frequently form near the tendons or joints of your hands or wrists. Ankles and feet are the second most common sites. Other joints may also be affected by these cysts. 
• Shape and size. Ganglion cysts are typically spherical or oval and have a diameter of less than an inch (2.5 centimeters). A cyst’s size can change, frequently expanding when you use that joint repeatedly. 
• Pain. Ganglion cysts typically cause no pain. However, if a cyst is too small to produce a visible lump, it can nevertheless pushes on a nerve and cause pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. 

If you feel a noticeable lump or pain in your wrist, hand, ankle, or foot, consult a doctor for further diagnosis and treatment. 

Causes

There are no specific reason why ganglion cysts occur. It appears to develop when the tissue that surrounds a joint or a tendon bulges out of position. It emerges from the lining of a tendon or joint and resembles a miniature water balloon on a stalk. A thick lubricating fluid that resembles the fluid found in joints or surrounding tendons is present inside the cyst. 

Risk factors

The following factors may make you more likely to develop ganglion cysts: 

• Age. Anyone can develop ganglion cysts, but women between the ages of 20 and 40 are the ones develop them most frequently. 
• Sex: Ganglion cysts are more common in women.
• Osteoarthritis. The chance of developing ganglion cysts proximal to the finger joints is increased in people who have wear–and–tear arthritis in those joints.
• Joint or tendon injury. Ganglion cysts are more likely to form on previously injured joints or tendons.