A Comprehensive Review of Ganglion Cysts Introduction Ganglion cysts are found throughout the body and can arise from joints, tendons, and ligaments.
A Comprehensive Review of Ganglion Cysts Ganglion cysts are found throughout the body and can arise from joints, tendons, and ligaments. The most common location for a ganglion cyst of the upper extremity is the dorsal wrist above the scapholunate ligament (1, 9). The dorsal wrist cysts account for 70% of all upper extremity cysts.
A ganglion cyst is a mucin filled soft tissue collection that has a stalk to the joint surface. The outer wall of the cyst is made of collagen fiber and the cyst does not have an epithelial lining. The etiology of a ganglion cysts is unknown.
There are theories that vary from a herniation of the synovial lining to local leakage of synovial fluid. Ganglion cysts are seen more commonly in females and patients between the ages of 20-40 years old. Common locations for ganglion cysts Diagnosis Most patients with a ganglion cyst will not complain of pain and the cyst will be asymptomatic.
However, due to location and size of the cyst, pain and paresthesias are possible. Diagnosis is typically made clinically, but an MRI can be done to help visualize the soft tissue structure. The differential for a wrist ganglion cyst includes an arterial aneurysm vs.
In a study looking at the accuracy of MRI to identify a ganglion cyst, they found that of 25 MRIs with surgically diagnosed cysts, only 19 of the studies mentioned a ganglion cyst on the radiology report. They found that physicians who wrote on the order to evaluate for a ganglion cyst had a higher likelihood of having the radiologist mention a cyst on the report. MRI image of dorsal ganglion cyst In addition to MRI, ultrasound can also be used to evaluate for a ganglion cyst.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to ganglion cysts, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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