WHAT IS GANGLION OF THE WRIST?
A wrist ganglion is a swelling that generally occurs over the back of the hand or wrist. These are benign, fluid-filled capsules. Ganglions are not cancerous. Although they may grow in size, they will not spread to other parts of the body.
SYMPTOMS OF GANGLION OF THE WRIST?
The ganglion usually appears as a bump or mass that which appear over time or appear suddenly. It may also get smaller in size and even go away, only to come back at another time.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?
The cause of ganglions is not known. One possible cause is the trauma causing the tissue of the joint or tendon sheath to break down forming small cysts, which then join into a larger, more obvious mass. The most likely cause involves a flaw in the joint capsule or tendon sheath that allows the joint tissue to bulge out.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS?
Many cysts (38-58%) disappear without any treatment at all. Treatment would include using a needle to remove the cyst’s contents (aspiration). Surgical removal of the cyst is needed when the mass is painful, interferes with function especially when the dominant hand is involved, or causes numbness or tingling of the hand or fingers.
GANGLION OF THE WRIST Specialist
