What is a ganglion?
Ganglions (gelatinous cysts) are the most common nodules in the hands. They are not malignant changes and in most cases they are harmless. They occur in various locations, but most often they form on the dorsal surface of the wrist. At first glance, a ganglion may look like a protruding wrist bone. Ganglions require ultrasound diagnosis of the wrist or hand.
Ganglions are filled with fluid and can appear, disappear or change size in a short time. In many cases, a jellyfish cyst does not require treatment, but it always requires medical verification. However, if the cyst is painful, impairs mobility, or is a cosmetic defect, there are several treatment options.
Ganglion treatment:
The basis of ganglion treatment is the elimination of inflammation within the joint. The first step should be to relieve the burden by limiting movement in the place where the lesion is formed, for example with a sling, splint or orthosis.
The next step in the treatment of the ganglion is its puncture and draining the lesion from the residual fluid along with the supply of corticosteroids, which gives the possibility of overgrowth and the formation of an internal scar. This procedure is performed under sterile conditions, under anesthesia and, if necessary, under ultrasound guidance. However, it is believed that the treatment is not entirely effective.
Surgical removal of the ganglion may be necessary if conservative treatment is ineffective or relapses follow . During the procedure, a fragment of the joint or tendon capsule is excised. Ganglion surgery is performed under local anesthesia with a small skin incision. After it is carried out, the joint is immobilized for a few days. Return to normal activity occurs after about 6 weeks, and physiotherapeutic procedures are performed in the postoperative period.