Description

What Is a Ganglion Cyst? A ganglion cyst is a small sac of fluid that forms over a joint or tendon (tissue that connects muscle to bone). Inside the cyst is a thick, sticky, clear, colorless, jellylike material. Depending on the size, cysts may feel firm or spongy. Ganglion cysts, also known as Bible cysts, most commonly show up on the back of the hand at the wrist joint but can also develop on the palm side of the wrist. They can also show up in other areas, but those are less common. Ganglion Cyst Symptoms Most ganglion cysts show up as a soft bump or mass that changes size but doesn’t move. They're often painless. Swelling may appear over time or suddenly. Other symptoms of a ganglion cyst include: A bump that goes away and comes back One large cyst or many smaller cysts Some degree of pain, especially after an injury or trauma from repeated movement Long-lasting pain that gets worse when you move the affected joint Pressure on nerves that causes tingling or numbness Weakness in the affected finger if the cyst is connected to a tendon Types of Ganglion Cysts Ganglion cyst on the wrist Ganglion cysts on the back of the wrist are more common in young adults and usually disappear without treatment. Ganglion cysts on the front of the wrist usually show up in younger people or older people with arthritis. Ganglion cyst on a finger These cysts are usually found on the fingertip, just below the cuticle, where they're called mucous cysts. These are more common in people who are middle-aged or older. Ganglion cyst on the thumb These cysts are rarer than those on the fingers. They can cause thumb triggering -- locking or catching when you move your thumb -- as well as pain and stiffness in the joint. Ganglion cyst on an elbow Ganglion cysts on the elbows are rare but can happen. They can restrict joint movement and cause pain that comes and goes. Ganglion cyst on a foot Ganglion cysts can grow on the top of your foot or on your ankle. These usually result from bone spurs (bony outgrowths) or from damage to joints or tendons caused by arthritis. Volar ganglion cyst A volar ganglion cyst shows up as a pea-sized bump on the palm of your hand or at the base of your finger. These cysts can cause pain when you grip objects. Volar ganglion cysts tend to appear suddenly and don't get bigger or smaller. About half of the time, they disappear without treatment. Ganglion Cyst Causes Doctors don't know exactly what causes ganglion cysts. Injury or damage may cause the tissue of the joint to break down, forming small cysts that later create a larger mass. A flaw in the joint capsule or tendon sheath (layers of connective tissue that allow tendons to move smoothly over bones) also may cause the joint tissue to bulge. Ganglion Cyst Risk Factors Ganglion cysts are more common: In people aged 15-40 In women (or those assigned female at birth) If you've had an injury to your wrist or finger If you do repetitive work with your wrists or hands If you have arthritis If you have inflammation of your tendons or joints

Key Specification Ganglion Cyst

Cyst in Wrist / Ganglion

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