Ganglion Cysts: What They Are and How You Treat Them
Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous, (benign) fluid-filled lumps which tend to show up near joints and on tendon areas most common being the wrists, hands or feet. Although they may come on suddenly, these benign growths frequently cause concern which disappears once their nature is explained.
Why Ganglion Cysts Develop
Synovial cysts result from a leak of synovial fluid – the lubricating liquid in joints or tendon sheaths. Although the precise inciting event of spur formation remains unknown, they can develop as a response to repeated joint stress or minor trauma, and possibly higher tier degenerative changes in the affected joint.
These ganglion cysts usually occur in women between the ages of 20 and 40 years, or a person performing repeated movements such as an office worker or musician. It might suddenly appear, weeks after or develop quickly.
Treatment Options
Up to 50% will go away on their own, so many ganglion cysts don’t need any treatment. Nonetheless, if the cyst is painful or restricts movement and appearance one can avail various treatments available. For Cyst Removal Manchester, visit www.manchesterlumpsclinic.com/common-lumps/cysts/cyst-removal-manchester/
In patients who do not wish to undergo surgery, options include resting the affected joint (splinting) and/or aspiration of fluid from the inflamed bursa with a needle. It is associated with a recurrence rate as high as 60% when utilising aspiration alone, however.
The recurrence rate is lowest with surgical removal but it comes at the risk of standard surgery. This means that both the cyst and its connection to the joint capsule are removed in this procedure.
Typically, a ganglion cyst is harmless and nothing needs to be done other than wait (observation), though persistent pain or functional impairment may necessitate expert evaluation.
