Ganglion Cyst is More Common in Women

Dr. from Medipol Mega University Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Department. Instructor Member Kadir Uzel said, “Ganglion cysts are usually painless, but if there is a condition that presses the nerve near the area where the cyst occurs, pain may occur. It is more common in women, those with osteoarthritis, those with previous joint and tendon injuries, and occupational groups that use the wrist constantly.

Stating that ganglion cysts are very common benign masses originating from the joint or adjacent tendons around the hand and wrist, Dr. from Medipol Mega University Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Department. Instructor Member Kadir Uzel said, “These cysts are not malignant and do not spread to other parts of the body. Although it is most common on the back of the wrist, it can also be seen on the palm side of the wrist, the first knuckle on the palm side of the fingers, and the knuckles. Ganglion is a fluid-filled cystic structure with a stalk. The liquid substance in it has the consistency of gel or jelly. Ganglion cysts can be of different sizes. Although its size changes over time, it can also disappear completely. Although it is usually painless, if there is a condition that presses on the nerve near the area where the cyst occurs, pain may occur.

The risk is higher in those who use their wrists a lot.

Stating that the exact cause of ganglion cysts is not known exactly, Uzel said, “It is more common in women, those with osteoarthritis, those who have had previous joint and tendon injuries, and those who have occupations that use the wrist constantly. The diagnosis is easily made depending on the location and appearance of the swelling. Cysts are usually oval or round and can be sometimes soft and sometimes hard. Cysts, especially in the palm of the hand, are hard and painful to touch. In some cases, radiography, ultrasonography or MR imaging methods can be used to make the differential diagnosis of other causes that can cause swelling. he added.

It can disappear on its own, it can be emptied with an injector if necessary.

Stating that surgical treatment is generally not required in ganglion cysts, Uzel concluded his words as follows:

“If the patient has no complaints, the cysts can only be followed. Some of the ganglion kits may disappear spontaneously during follow-up. If pain is present, splints and medication can be used to keep the joint motionless. Draining the fluid inside the cyst with the help of an injector is another treatment method that can be applied. Although this method is a simple method that can be applied in outpatient clinic conditions, the recurrence rate of the cyst after the procedure is high. If non-surgical methods fail or the cyst recurs, it is recommended to remove the cyst with open surgery or arthroscopic methods. What needs to be done in surgery is to follow the root-stem along with the cyst itself and remove it from the joint or tendon sheath from which it originates. Just removing the cyst is the most important reason for relapse cases.