Ganglion Cyst

Ganglion Cyst

• Noncancerous lump that most commonly develop along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands.
• Round or oval and are filled with a jelly-like fluid.
• They may also occur on feet & ankles
• Filled with jelly like substance.

Presentation

• occur at any joint or tendon sheath, but they most often present in the dorsum of the wrist
• round or oval,
• Typically painless, unless pressing on nerve
• Commonly in women between ages 20-40
• Labs: Doctor may aspirate cyst

Examination

• 7-12 MHz linear array transducer.
• Position hand in flat position either on patients lab elevated with a pillow or on a raised surface.
• Scan in 2 planes
• Step off pad may be needed.

Images

Differential Diagnosis

• Giant Cell Tumor (GCT) of Tendon Sheath:
• Similarities: Mass located in the hand, located in dorsal wrist or plantar surface of hand.
• Differences: GCT- solid soft tissue mass, hyperemic, fixed to tendon sheath. GC- cystic mass

Other Modalities/ Treatment

• MRI/X-ray- r/o other conditions such (i.e arthritis or tumors)
• Treatment: Often non, If pain: immobilization, aspiration, surgical removal

References