Ganglions of the Wrist
Overview
Ganglions of the wrist, commonly known as wrist cysts or ganglion cysts, are small, benign (non-cancerous) lumps that usually form along the tendons or joints of wrists or hands. Inside, they contain a thick, sticky, clear, colorless, jellylike material. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, these are the most common hand masses, occurring in up to 60-70% of the population.
Types
There aren’t different types of ganglions of the wrist, but rather, the ganglion cysts can occur in varying locations. They are most commonly observed on the back of the wrist, and less commonly on the palm side of the wrist, fingertip, or the base of the finger.
Causes
Though the exact cause of wrist ganglions remains unknown, they seem to appear when the tissue surrounding a joint or a tendon bulges out, forming a little sac that gets filled with a fluid similar to synovial fluid. They tend to occur following a local trauma or overuse, and are more common in women, and in individuals aged 15-40 years.
Symptoms
Many ganglions of the wrist are asymptomatic and might go unnoticed. When they do cause symptoms, the following are usually observed:
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- A visible lump, typically round and soft, that may change size.
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- Discomfort or pain that may increase with activity.
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- Difficulty in movement. In some cases, the cyst can compress the nerves passing through the wrist, leading to weakness, numbness, or tingling.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a ganglion cyst usually involves a physical examination, during which the doctor may apply pressure to the cyst to test for tenderness or discomfort. He or she may also shine a light through the cyst (transillumination) to determine if it’s filled with fluid. In some cases, an ultrasound or MRI may be requested to rule out other conditions.
Treatment Options
Ganglion cysts are harmless and often disappear on their own, so if it doesn’t cause discomfort, the doctor may advise simply watching and waiting. However, if the cyst is painful, interferes with function, or causes significant discomfort, there are several treatment options:
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- Immobilization: Activity often causes the ganglion to increase in size and also increases the pressure generated by the cyst, leading to increased pain. A wrist brace or splint may relieve symptoms and cause the ganglion to decrease in size.
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- Aspiration: In this procedure, the fluid in the cyst is drained out with a needle.
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- Surgical removal: When other methods don’t work, or if the cyst is recurring, it may be surgically removed. Although this is most likely to remove the cyst permanently, it’s also the most invasive option.
Living With Ganglions of the Wrist
Living with a ganglion cyst can be manageable. Some recommendations include:
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- Avoid repetitive wrist motions, which may aggravate the cyst.
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- Utilize a wrist brace or splint to immobilize the wrist, especially during activities that cause pain.
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- Perform mild exercises to strengthen the wrist and improve its range of motion.
When to Seek Help
While ganglion cysts are usually harmless, you should seek immediate medical attention if you notice the following:
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- Inability to use the affected hand or wrist due to severe pain or discomfort.
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- Rapid increase in the size of the cyst.
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- Loss of sensation in the fingers or hand of the affected side.
It’s also recommended to have any new lump checked by a doctor to rule out other more serious conditions.
