Ganglion Cyst
A ganglion cyst is a lump that can appear on your hand, wrist, ankles, feet, and behind your knee. In most cases, a ganglion cyst isn’t painful, but it can be an annoyance or make the individual feel self-conscious about the way the cyst looks.
At The Vu Center, our board-certified hand specialist, Dr. Kim Chi Vu, has years of experience working with various hand conditions, including ganglion cysts, and she is more than happy to provide you with the treatment you need. Whether your cyst is painful or just embarrassing to look at, we believe that life is too short to spend it living in pain or feeling ashamed of your appearance. For this reason, we have dedicated our Portland plastic surgery clinic to helping people feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. Explore our website to learn more about our plastic and cosmetic surgery options, and if you’re interested in having your ganglion cyst removed, give us a call to schedule a consultation.
What Is a Ganglion Cyst?
As mentioned above, a ganglion cyst is a lump under the skin that is filled with a thick, jelly-like fluid. A ganglion cyst can grow on the outer covering of a tendon, a joint capsule, on the back of the knee, the foot, the ankle, or the finger. Unfortunately, the cause of a ganglion cyst is unknown, but there are some people who are more likely to develop a ganglion cyst. If an individual overuses, injures, or bumps their hand, wrist, fingers, or ankles frequently, then they are more likely to develop a ganglion cyst at the site of injury.
Symptoms
A ganglion cyst can easily be confused for a common cyst, which is why we categorize and diagnose a ganglion cyst based on:
- Location – As mentioned previously, ganglion cysts develop along the tendons or joints of an individual’s hands or wrists, but they can also develop on the knees, ankles, and feet.
- Pain – Typically, a ganglion cyst is painless. However, the cyst may press on a nerve, even if it is too small to form a significant lump, which can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness.
- Shape and Size – Ganglion cysts are usually round or oval in nature and measure less than an inch. That being said, there are some ganglion cysts that can be too small to form a noticeable lump.
In addition to the indicators listed above, you may notice other symptoms, such as a dull ache or tenderness, numbness, pain, or swelling. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s recommended that you schedule an appointment with your doctor. The doctor will perform a physical exam in order to diagnose the ganglion cyst, and they may even recommend tests, such as an ultrasound or an x-ray, to help make the most accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Once your doctor has a chance to examine and diagnose your ganglion cyst, they will then provide you with your treatment options. In most cases, ganglion cysts go away on their own, so your doctor may not provide you with any treatment options other than to wait and see if it diminishes with time. In some cases, even if the ganglion cyst is treated, it can grow back. However, if your doctor decides that treatment is the best course of action to help provide relief for your ganglion cyst, they may recommend one of the following options:
- Needle Aspiration – This treatment drains the fluid from the cyst by piercing the cyst with a needle.
Splint – Your doctor may recommend you wear a splint to rest the join the limit movement to help decrease the size of the ganglion cyst. - Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicine (NSAIDs) – Taking over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Surgery – If your ganglion cyst is causing pain or limiting your movement, your doctor may recommend surgery. During the procedure, the doctor will remove the ganglion cyst, as well as a small amount of tissue surrounding the cyst.
Recovery
Depending on the type of treatment your doctor recommends, there may be little to no recovery time required. If your doctor recommends surgery to treat your ganglion cyst, you may be required to wear a splint after surgery to help limit movement and aid the healing process. Dr. Kim Chi Vu at The Vu Center will be able to provide you with more information about the healing and recovery process based on the type of recommended treatment.
We look forward to working with you!