II. Epidemiology
- Most common Soft Tissue Mass in hand
- Adults affected most commonly
- Young children may be affected
- Subsides by age 2 to 3 years in most cases
III. Pathophysiology
- Cyst contains mucinous material
- Stalk attaches cyst to tendon sheath or joint
IV. Symptoms
- Freely movable mass over joint or tendon
- Local pain or weakness
- Occult Ganglion Cyst may cause dorsal Wrist Pain
- Ganglion may be hidden by overlying extensor tendon
- Dorsal wrist most commonly affected
V. Signs
- Ganglion Cyst on wrist dorsum
- Ganglion Cyst more prominent with wrist flexed
VI. Management
- Ganglion Cyst Aspiration
- Compression dressing applied for 48 to 72 hours
- Consider Splinting wrist for several days
- Indications for Surgical excision of Ganglion Cyst
- Symptoms persist
- Despite aspiration and steroid injection 1 to 2 times
VII. Course
- Spontaneous resolution without treatment: 53%
- Recurrence within 2 to 5 years after treatment
- Recurrence after surgical excision: 42%
- Recurrence after aspiration: 47%
- References