Buzz
Ganglion cysts are soft, rounded protrusions beneath the skin, typically developing along tendons or near joints — most frequently on the wrist. They may vary in size, ranging from small to as large as an inch in diameter. While they often cause no discomfort, ganglion cysts can hinder joint movement or induce pain by applying pressure on adjacent nerves. Although many ganglion cysts resolve spontaneously, there are measures you can take to manage them upon appearance.
Procedures
Handling a Ganglion
Practice patience. Approximately 35% of ganglion cysts are asymptomatic — their sole concern may be their aesthetic appearance. Fortunately, about 38-58% of ganglion cysts tend to disappear on their own. If your ganglion cyst isn't causing significant issues, you may choose to observe it and see if it resolves spontaneously.
Utilize anti-inflammatory pain relievers. There's a wide array of over-the-counter products designed to alleviate swelling. While these medications offer temporary relief by reducing swelling, the underlying issue may persist until the cyst resolves naturally. Nevertheless, managing pain in the interim can be beneficial. Some common anti-inflammatory drugs available at pharmacies include:
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
- Aspirin (Ascriptin, Bayer, Ecotrin)
Employ cold therapy. If you're experiencing discomfort from your ganglion cyst, try applying cold to the area. You can purchase gel packs from pharmacies or simply wrap ice or frozen vegetables in a towel. Apply the cold compress directly to the affected area for 20-minute intervals. Repeat this process at least once daily, up to once every three hours.
Reduce usage of the affected joint. While the precise cause of ganglion cysts remains unclear, one prevalent theory suggests they develop due to joint trauma or overuse. Limiting joint movement can alleviate pain and expedite healing. Aim to minimize activity involving the affected limb as much as possible.
Provide joint stability using a splint if necessary. Remembering to rest the affected joint, particularly if the cyst is on the wrist, can be challenging. Applying a splint can serve as a physical reminder to rest the joint and restrict movement when using the limb.
- Position a rigid object, such as a piece of wood, along the affected joint. Alternatively, wrap the joint in materials like a magazine or thick padding of cloth or towel.
- Ensure the splint extends beyond the joint in both directions to limit movement as much as possible. For instance, a wrist splint should cover the forearm, extend past the wrist, and reach the hand.
- Secure the splint using available materials such as a necktie, tape, or belt.
- Avoid fastening the splint too tightly to prevent cutting off blood circulation. Loosen the splint if you experience tingling sensations in your hands or feet.
Massage the cyst. A ganglion functions like a fluid-filled balloon, which can exert pressure on nerves and cause discomfort. Massaging the area is often recommended by medical professionals to encourage natural drainage of the cyst. There's no need for specific techniques or professional therapy; simply massage the ganglion gently and frequently throughout the day. Over time, symptoms should improve.
Avoid attempting to crush the ganglion with a heavy object. Ganglion cysts are sometimes referred to as “Bible bumps” due to misguided attempts to eliminate them by smashing with a heavy book, such as the Bible. While this method may temporarily eliminate the cyst, there's a 22-64% chance of recurrence. Additionally, excessive force can cause further damage to surrounding tissue or even fracture bones.
Exploring Professional Treatments
Consider having the cyst drained by a medical professional. If your ganglion cyst is causing significant pain or impeding wrist movement, seeking expert intervention may be necessary for resolution. A healthcare provider can perform aspiration, removing the cyst and alleviating painful nerve compression.
- Confirmation of the cyst's nature may involve transillumination — if light passes through, indicating a fluid-filled cyst, it's likely a ganglion cyst.
Be informed about the aspiration procedure. Although aspiration is relatively straightforward, understanding the process beforehand can promote a sense of calm and relaxation during the procedure.
- The physician will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area surrounding the ganglion.
- In some cases, the cyst may be injected with an enzyme to facilitate the removal of its gel-like contents.
- A needle will be inserted into the cyst to extract its contents, which will be disposed of properly and safely as medical waste.
Inquire about the possibility of a steroid injection. Aspiration alone may not provide a permanent solution; research indicates that 59% of cysts treated solely with aspiration recur within three months. However, combining aspiration with steroid injection has shown significantly higher success rates, with 95% of cysts remaining clear six months post-treatment.
Consult your doctor about surgical possibilities. Due to their high recurrence rate, ganglion cysts may not respond to home remedies or aspiration effectively in the long term. If you're dealing with a persistent ganglion that keeps reoccurring, inquire about surgical removal options with your physician.
- This procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, with anesthesia administered intravenously.
- Instead of solely draining the cyst, the surgeon will extract the entire cyst and its connecting stalk from the tendon or joint. Complete removal decreases the likelihood of cyst reoccurrence.
Understand the potential risks associated with surgical excision. As with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks. In rare instances, surgery may result in nerve, blood vessel, or tendon damage around the cyst site. Complications such as infection or excessive bleeding are also possible.
Manage post-surgery care effectively. Following surgical removal, discomfort and pain around the cyst area are common during the healing process. Request pain relief medication, such as Vicodin, from your doctor to alleviate pain until it subsides. Minimize activity involving the affected limb for several days. For instance, if the cyst was on your wrist, refrain from activities like typing and cooking temporarily. Obtain a recovery plan from your doctor, including:
- An estimated recovery duration.
- Specific activities to avoid during the recovery phase.
- Potential signs of procedural complications to watch for.
Pointers
Cautionary Notes
- Avoid attempting the outdated 'Bible' method for eliminating the cyst. Historically, people used a heavy book, often the family Bible, to crush ganglion cysts. These cysts were colloquially known as 'Bible cysts' or 'Bible Bumps.' However, this method is ineffective and may result in cyst recurrence, potentially causing harm to surrounding tissue.
