What is a ganglion?
A ganglion in the hand or finger is a benign swelling filled with synovial fluid or fluid from a tendon sheath. Another word for ganglion is also mucous cyst. Common locations of a ganglion are on the front or back of the wrist, flexor tendons and fingertip. When too much fluid is produced in a joint or tendon sheath, it wants to get out somewhere. If there is a weak spot in the joint capsule or tendon sheath, it will bulge due to the pressure of the fluid, creating a ganglion. A ganglion often feels hard and tense on the outside.
Increased fluid production in the joint or tendon sheath does not always have an identifiable cause. It can occur due to overuse, instability or wear and tear, but in many cases it also occurs spontaneously. In addition to arising spontaneously, a ganglion can also spontaneously shrink or even disappear.
What are the symptoms of a ganglion?
Usually there are no symptoms of pain with a ganglion. A ganglion on the flexor tendons may be sensitive when grasping things. Also, the finger may click when bending and stretching. Finally, there may be tingling when the ganglion cyst presses against a nerve.
A ganglion cyst (mucoid cyst) at the back of the end joint of the finger can cause pain to the skin and sometimes the skin opens. Pressure on the nail bed can cause a nail deformity. It is very important not to puncture these cysts yourself!
Diagnosis
Based on the pattern of symptoms and physical examination, the diagnosis is made. Sometimes an ultrasound is performed to assess the exact location and size of the swelling.
If arthrosis of the finger joints is suspected, an X-ray is also taken.
Treatment
Non-operative (conservative) treatment
If there are no or very few symptoms, then often wait and see. There is a good chance that a ganglion will shrink or disappear on its own. By avoiding bothersome movements or adjusting activities, symptoms may improve.
In the past, a ganglion was sometimes drained with a needle. The chances of a ganglion returning after this procedure are very high and therefore this treatment is not advised in our clinic.
Surgical treatment
If there are functional complaints, that is, complaints that interfere with daily activities, surgery may be considered. These complaints may include pain, movement restriction or decreased strength.
In the case of a mucoid cyst where the skin is in danger of breaking down or is broken, the advice is also to perform surgery.
The surgery is done in day surgery. Local anesthesia is given. An incision is made at the level of the ganglion cyst and the cyst is removed. The wound is sutured with stitches that can be removed after 10-14 days. After the procedure, you will have a pressure bandage for several days.
During the consultation hour, you will receive detailed information about post-treatment and recovery, as well as an information brochure about the procedure.
