ganglionic cysts Flashcards
what are ganglionic cysts?
non-cancerous soft tissue lumps that occur along any joint or tendon
They arise from degeneration within the joint capsule or tendon sheath of the joint, subsequently becoming filled with synovial fluid
what are the risk factors?
- female
- osteoarthritis
- previous joint or tendon injury
what are the clinical features?
presents as a smooth spherical painless lump adjacent to the joint affected
on examination, lump will be soft and will transilluminate
may have local paraesthesia, pain or motor weakness if cyst exerts any pressure upon adjacent nerves
may mechanically restrict full ROM in the affect joint
what are the differentials?
- tenosynovitis
- giant cell tumour of tendon sheath
- lipoma (doesn’t trans illuminate and not entirely spherical)
- OA
- sarcoma
what investigations are done?
diagnosed clinically
plain film radiograph can be used to rule out OA or bone malignancies as differentials
US or MRI can be done to asses if uncertain
can aspirate for temporary symptomatic relief and can send fluid for microscopy/cytology if needed
how are ganglionic cysts managed?
if there is no pain, just monitor
cysts can often disappear spontaneously without further intervention
if there is pain, you can do:
- aspiration +/- steroid injections
- cyst excision
