Cyst-Ganglion
A ganglion cyst is a sack of fluid from the outpouching of a tendon sheath or joint capsule. The word “ganglion” means a knot, which is often a description of the ganglion cyst just underneath the skin. Ganglion cyst is a common benign soft tissue mass in the foot. They vary in size, location, and symptoms.
Cause:
The exact cause of ganglion cyst formation is unclear. However, there is suspicion that it arises from trauma.
Symptoms:
Aside from cosmetic concerns regarding a ganglion cyst, it can be both asymptomatic or symptomatic. Some patients experience tingling or burning when the ganglion cyst presses on a nerve. Others experience dull pain or aches when it presses against a tendon or joint. Most commonly, the ganglion cyst results in difficulty with wearing shoes, due to the protrusion of soft tissue.
Diagnosis:
Initially, visual assessment of the ganglion cyst is vital for the diagnosis. To further assist with diagnosis, the foot and ankle specialist will shine a light through the cyst. Since a ganglion cyst is filled with fluid, the light should shine through. Also, the ganglion cyst should move freely underneath the skin. The physician might also elect to remove a small amount of the cyst fluid for analysis. Lastly, if there is concern regarding the ganglion cyst, or to rule out other soft tissue pathologies, X-ray and other advanced imaging may be ordered.
Treatment:
There are various conservative treatment of ganglion cysts including the following:
If symptom relief is not achieved with conservative treatments, then surgical treatments may be considered, which involves surgical excision (removal). To note, even with surgical removal of the ganglion cyst, there is moderate chance of recurrence.
A ganglion cyst is a sack of fluid from the outpouching of a tendon sheath or joint capsule. The word “ganglion” means a knot, which is often a description of the ganglion cyst just underneath the skin. Ganglion cyst is a common benign soft tissue mass in the foot. They vary in size, location, and symptoms.
Cause:
The exact cause of ganglion cyst formation is unclear. However, there is suspicion that it arises from trauma.
Symptoms:
Aside from cosmetic concerns regarding a ganglion cyst, it can be both asymptomatic or symptomatic. Some patients experience tingling or burning when the ganglion cyst presses on a nerve. Others experience dull pain or aches when it presses against a tendon or joint. Most commonly, the ganglion cyst results in difficulty with wearing shoes, due to the protrusion of soft tissue.
Diagnosis:
Initially, visual assessment of the ganglion cyst is vital for the diagnosis. To further assist with diagnosis, the foot and ankle specialist will shine a light through the cyst. Since a ganglion cyst is filled with fluid, the light should shine through. Also, the ganglion cyst should move freely underneath the skin. The physician might also elect to remove a small amount of the cyst fluid for analysis. Lastly, if there is concern regarding the ganglion cyst, or to rule out other soft tissue pathologies, X-ray and other advanced imaging may be ordered.
Treatment:
There are various conservative treatment of ganglion cysts including the following:
- Monitoring but no treatment. If the cyst causes no pain and does not interfere with walking, the foot and ankle specialist may decide to carefully watch the cyst over a period of time.
- Shoe modifications. Wearing shoes that do not rub the cyst or cause irritation may be advised. In addition, placing a pad inside the shoe may help reduce pressure against the cyst.
- Aspiration and injection. This technique involves draining the cyst and then injecting a steroid medication. More than one session may be needed. Although this approach is successful in some cases, in many others, the cyst returns.
If symptom relief is not achieved with conservative treatments, then surgical treatments may be considered, which involves surgical excision (removal). To note, even with surgical removal of the ganglion cyst, there is moderate chance of recurrence.