Ganglion cyst

Jump to navigation Jump to search
Ganglion cyst
ICD-9 727.4
DiseasesDB 31229

WikiDoc Resources for Ganglion cyst

Articles

Most recent articles on Ganglion cyst

Most cited articles on Ganglion cyst

Review articles on Ganglion cyst

Articles on Ganglion cyst in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ

Media

Powerpoint slides on Ganglion cyst

Images of Ganglion cyst

Photos of Ganglion cyst

Podcasts & MP3s on Ganglion cyst

Videos on Ganglion cyst

Evidence Based Medicine

Cochrane Collaboration on Ganglion cyst

Bandolier on Ganglion cyst

TRIP on Ganglion cyst

Clinical Trials

Ongoing Trials on Ganglion cyst at Clinical Trials.gov

Trial results on Ganglion cyst

Clinical Trials on Ganglion cyst at Google

Guidelines / Policies / Govt

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Ganglion cyst

NICE Guidance on Ganglion cyst

NHS PRODIGY Guidance

FDA on Ganglion cyst

CDC on Ganglion cyst

Books

Books on Ganglion cyst

News

Ganglion cyst in the news

Be alerted to news on Ganglion cyst

News trends on Ganglion cyst

Commentary

Blogs on Ganglion cyst

Definitions

Definitions of Ganglion cyst

Patient Resources / Community

Patient resources on Ganglion cyst

Discussion groups on Ganglion cyst

Patient Handouts on Ganglion cyst

Directions to Hospitals Treating Ganglion cyst

Risk calculators and risk factors for Ganglion cyst

Healthcare Provider Resources

Symptoms of Ganglion cyst

Causes & Risk Factors for Ganglion cyst

Diagnostic studies for Ganglion cyst

Treatment of Ganglion cyst

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

CME Programs on Ganglion cyst

International

Ganglion cyst en Espanol

Ganglion cyst en Francais

Business

Ganglion cyst in the Marketplace

Patents on Ganglion cyst

Experimental / Informatics

List of terms related to Ganglion cyst

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kiran Singh, M.D. [2]


Overview

A ganglion cyst (also known as a bible bump) is a swelling that often appears on or around joints and tendons in the hand or foot. The size of the cyst can vary over time, often becoming more inflamed if irritated. It is most frequently located around the wrist and on the fingers.

Cause

The exact cause of the formation of ganglion cysts is still unknown. They are believed to be caused by overuse of a specific joint, which results in the degeneration of the surrounding fibrous tissue and the development of a cystic structure.[1] The cyst contains clear fluid similar to synovial fluid. They are most often found around the wrist joint, which accounts for 90% of all ganglion cysts.

A common misconception is that ganglion cysts are due to pockets of the synovium protruding from the joint capsule. However, this would not account for the toughness of the cyst.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination

Skin

Extremities

Treatment

Frequently, the cysts will disappear over time. In cases of small cysts that do not cause other symptoms, no other treatment is necessary.

If a ganglion cyst is symptomatic, it can be managed by aspiration or excision. Aspiration of the cyst is the simpler of the two procedures, but cysts recur in approximately 50% of cases. With surgery, the recurrence rate is reduced to only 5 to 10% and complications rarely develop. Recurrence rates are lower when the hand or finger is immobilized for 1 to 2 weeks.

Arthroscopy of the wrist is becoming a viable alternative to open excision of ganglion cysts. During arthroscopy, the origin of the cyst can be seen. No immobilization is needed after arthroscopy.

Traditional method

One traditional method of treating a ganglion cyst was to strike the lump with a large, heavy book, causing the cyst to rupture and drain into the surrounding tissues. Since even the poorest households usually possessed a Bible, it was most commonly used, which led to the nicknaming of ganglion cysts as "Bible Bumps" or "Gideon's Disease". This method of treatment is effective, but is no longer recommended, as patients risk damaging the surrounding area around the cyst.[3]

Epidemiology

Ganglion cysts occur most often in the 20–60 age group and are three times more common in women.

External links

References

  1. Browse NL (1997) Symptoms and Signs of Surgical Disease. 3rd ed. London: Arnold.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 "Dermatology Atlas".
  3. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/Ganglions-Treatment-Overview


Template:WikiDoc Sources