If you are a woman between the ages of 15-40, you have three times more risk of having a Ganglion Cyst. If that previous sentence alarmed you, do not worry; a Ganglion cyst is a non-cancerous, non-harmful swelling that is benign in nature. In this article, we will explore all about Ganglion Cysts from their symptoms to treatments!
What is a Ganglion Cyst exactly?
A Ganglion Cyst takes a lump-like formation; they arise from tissues surrounding the joints and tendons. While they can occur in several locations, many people report them on the back of their wrists. These lumps are cysts, filled with slippery fluid known as synovial fluid. They can take many forms and even change in shape depending on the activity a person is doing. If the activity increases in strength or time, they are known to grow; however, if the cysts are given time to relax, they constrict in size. While they are known to be painless, if the cyst interacts with a nerve, the patient may feel sharp pain or weakness.
How are they Formed?
There are several circulating theories; however, there isn’t one definite answer yet, and scientists are working hard to determine its cause. There are suspicions that they may be a product of repetitive trauma to the same tissue.
Symptoms
The main symptom would be the formation of a Ganglion Cyst as it takes a physical form. Its formation can be described as half of a sphere popping out of the skin. While some may be too small to see, others can be seen quite clearly as round or oval. The locations of these Ganglion cysts are almost always close to a joint; some locations include metacarpophalangeal joints, radiocarpal joint, talocrural joint, etc.
Treatments
It is beneficial to report a Ganglion Cyst to a doctor; however, Ganglion Cysts are known to be harmless, and little to no procedure will be done on them unless the pain exceeds too much, in which case the fluid may be drained out using an injection. Different kinds of inspections will also be done such as MRI or ultrasound in certain cases to make sure that it's not something else. To alleviate pain, taking over-the-counter drugs and using a brace may come in handy!
Sources
Lackey, Emma, and Ron Sutton. "GP CLINICAL: A guide to ganglion treatment options." GP, 9 Feb. 2004, p. 46. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A113061650/AONE?u=fall83743&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=9b6395a5. Accessed 4 Mar. 2024.
Leonard, Susan. "GANGLION CYSTS... TRAVEL AND DIGESTIVE DISTRESS." Healthy Years, vol. 20, no. 11, Nov. 2023, p. 8. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A771219557/AONE?u=fall83743&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=5df409a1. Accessed 4 Mar. 2024. Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Boar