Naples Orthopedic Doctor

Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are lumps that can appear in the hands around the fingers or wrists within the tendons of the hands. These small soft round lumps are filled with a fluid with a jelly texture known as synovial fluid. One thing, do not panic if you are diagnosed with this kind of cysts since they are not carcinogenic. In fact, in some cases, it is not necessary to go through any procedure to remove them since they can disappear on their own. Despite their unharmful nature, these cysts can hinder movement in the hand or even cause pain or numbness if they are located near a nerve.

How do These Cysts Form?

We mentioned how they are formed of synovial fluid; this is a lubricant fluid that runs through the tendons. When there is a leak, a thin wall forms around it, and then a cyst is shaped. Cysts are generally smaller than 2.5 inches and they can change size over time. They can even disappear and reappear by themselves. This all depends on how much synovial fluid keeps leaking through the cyst or how much is absorbed. 

These cysts can be diagnosed through observation by the doctor, who will check their texture and appearance. Since ganglion cysts are harmless, after a diagnose, if the cyst does not cause any discomfort, the doctor could advise you to wait and see if it changes or goes away. In most cases, these cysts can disappear in less than a year. On the other hand, if it is causing soreness or hampering movement in the affected area, it could be removed.

There are two main procedures to remove the cyst:

• It can be drained with a needle and syringe. For this method, the area around the cyst is numbed for the duration of the procedure, then the cyst is punctured and the liquid inside is drained. On some occasions, the cyst can reappear after this procedure since this is just a process of drainage that does not close the leak. Sometimes, a dose of medicated steroid can be applied to the cyst area to stop its reappearance, but this has not been scientifically proved to be efficient.
• Removing the cysts through surgery is a more thorough option to stop the reappearance of the cyst. There are two kinds: the first one is an open surgery where a small cut is done to remove the cyst along with the stem causing the leak. The second one consists of an arthroscopic surgery, where smaller cuts are done and with a tiny camera used to see around the affected area more in detail and then the cyst is cut without needing to make longer incisions. For both procedures, the patient is anesthetized either through local or general anesthesia depending on the cyst’s conditions. 

In some cases, physical therapy can be advised as part of the post-surgery recovery process.

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119