Ganglion Cysts

The most common swellings around the hands and wrists are ganglion cysts. These cysts usually originate from a joint and appear as swelling by advancing towards the skin from weak areas around the joint. It is a hard, gel-shaped liquid tissue mass. It is often observed on the back or front of the wrist, in the area close to the root of the thumb.

It usually develops due to mechanical changes due to joint irritation and strain. It may go away on its own or take a large and painful form. Diagnosis can often be made by examination, but ultrasound or MRI examination can be used for radiological confirmation. Even if cysts cannot be seen on x-rays, bone problems in the wrist can be seen.

In most patients, it can be successfully treated without surgery with splint therapy, activity modification, medication and aspiration when necessary. In recurrent cases, treatment can be performed by surgical excision of the cyst and ablation of the connection of the cyst to the joint.

There is a possibility of recurrence since the style of use of the extremity and anatomical features affect its development. Therefore, activity modification is an important component of treatment.