Ganglion Cyst

Sometimes a ganglion cyst can rupture and go away on its own.

A ganglion is a sac-like swelling or cyst formed from the tissue that lines a joint or tendon. It is filled with thick jelly like fluid. The tissue, called synovium, normally functions to produce lubricating fluid for these areas. While ganglia can follow local trauma to the tendon or joint, they usually form for unknown reasons.

Occasionally, ganglia are early signs of arthritis that will become more obvious in the future.

Ganglions can be caused by inflammation of the tissue lining joints and tendons. This inflammation can be a result of local injury or underlying arthritis.

Ganglia can form around any joint, but they are most frequently found in the wrist and ankles. They are usually painless and often barely visible as localized swellings. They typically do not appear to be inflamed.

The largest ganglions form behind the back of the knee, causing a sense of fullness or tightness. A ganglion here is referred to as a Baker cyst, after the doctor who originally described the condition.

Doctors diagnose a ganglion by physical examination. These ganglions can usually be felt on examination.

A ganglion can be a result of underlying arthritis of the adjacent joint, and X-ray analysis is often used to determine the integrity of the joints affected.

Specialists who treat ganglions include primary-care providers such as general medicine doctors, family medicine doctors, and internists, as well as rheumatologists and general and orthopedic surgeons.

Do ganglion cysts just go away? How do you make a ganglion cyst go away?

A ganglion can spontaneously rupture and go away. Sometimes a gentle massage is all that is necessary. Other treatment options include the removal of the ganglion fluid with a needle and syringe (aspiration) with or without an injection of cortisone medication.

Occasionally, the entire ganglion is resected with surgery. People with a persisting or recurring ganglion should be evaluated for signs of systemic forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

What is the best treatment for a ganglion cyst?

In most cases, ganglion cysts require no treatment. Treatment is typically only considered if you have pain at the site of the cyst, mobility restraints, or for cosmetic concerns.

Doctors generally recommend a wait-and-watch approach, in which they observe the growth of the ganglion and watch out for any symptoms, such as pain. Most likely, the cyst will go away on its own. However, if it does not and turns extremely painful restricting your daily activities, the following treatment options may be utilized.

Immobilization

Involves the use of a splint or brace to support the affected wrist, which helps release pressure on the nerves, shrinking the ganglion cyst and alleviating pain. As the pain decreases, your doctor may ask you to perform exercises that strengthen the wrist muscles.

Aspiration

Involves the insertion of a needle into the ganglion cyst to drain the fluid. This procedure helps reduce pain by relieving pressure on the nearby tissues but does not eliminate the cause (the joint capsule or tendon sheath) of the ganglion cyst. In up to 50 % of cases the cyst will reoccur.

Surgery

If other treatment options do not help eliminate pain or fail to reduce the size of the ganglion cyst or if the ganglion cyst comes back, surgery remains the only treatment option. Surgery to remove the ganglion cyst is referred to as excision and involves cutting the ganglion completely from its root.

Excision is a minor surgical procedure that is typically performed as an outpatient surgery, which means you will only be observed for a few hours after the procedure and then discharged on the same day. It may take up to six weeks to resume all your activities normally as before. Additionally, the ganglion cyst can come back even after the excision.

Avoid the temptation of popping the ganglion cyst by thumping on it or draining it by yourself with the help of a needle. The cyst may rupture and get infected.

The prognosis of a ganglion is generally excellent. Usually, a ganglion does not affect joint function and is painless. They can resolve spontaneously but can require injection or resection for complete recovery.

How long does it take to recover from a ganglion cyst removal?

Complete recovery from a ganglion cyst removal may take two to eight weeks. Recovery time depends on the site of the ganglion cyst and the type of treatment used. For faster recovery, you need to follow these instructions:

• You may feel better within the first few days, but complete recovery takes two to eight weeks.
• Use the operated part carefully and gently after the surgery and follow your surgeons instructions
• Avoid any activities that may irritate the operated area.
• Elevate the operated site above your heart to aid in reducing swelling.
• Use ice packs for any discomfort.
• After an aspiration surgery or cyst removal surgery, you must wear a splint for a week. The splint ensures limited movement and takes stress off the joint.

Your doctor may excise the root (the part that connects the cyst to the joints or tendon) of the ganglion cyst to prevent its recurrence. They will give you instructions after the surgery that you need to follow for faster recovery.

You can also expect some side effects after the surgery, which may include:

• Infection
• Nerve/tendon or blood vessel damage
• Pain
• Scarring
• Recurrence

No, it is not possible to prevent a ganglion.