Ganglion Cysts

Question 1

What are ganglion cysts?

Answer 1

Sacs of synovial fluid that originate from tendon sheaths or joints

Question 2

Where do you get ganglion cysts?

Answer 2

Wrist and fingers, can occur anywhere there is a joint or tendon sheath

Question 3

What causes ganglion cysts?

Answer 3

Synovial membrane of the tendon sheath or joint herniates forming a pouch

Synovial fluid from the tendon sheath flows into the pouch forming a cyst

Question 4

How do ganglion cysts present?

Answer 4

Visible and palpable lump

Not painful

Question 5

What is present on examination of ganglion cysts?

Answer 5

0.5 to 5cm (most < 2cm)

Firm and non-tender

Well-circumscribed

Transilluminates

Question 6

How are ganglion cysts diagnosed?

Answer 6

Diagnosed clinically based on history and examination findings

Question 7

What imaging can be used to help the diagnosis of ganglion cysts?

Answer 7

Ultrasound

Question 8

How are ganglion cysts managed?

Answer 8

40-50% of cysts resolve spontaneously (may take several years)

Needle aspiration
50% recurrence rate

Surgical excision
Removing affected part of the joint capsule or tendon sheath
-Low recurrence rate, infection risk and scarring