What is a ganglion cyst?
A ganglion cyst is a sac filled with clear thick fluid that originates from the tendon sheath or joint capsule. Fun fact they are also known as a “Bible bump” because people used flat books to flatten and explode the cysts. The most commonly used book was the bible.
What are the causes the causes of a ganglion cyst ?
The exact cause is unknown, but thought to related to trauma and weakness in the tendon sheath or joint capsule.
What are the signs of a ganglion cyst?
A ganglion cyst is suspected when their is a soft, mobile mass that tends to grow and shrink in size. A light can be put against a suspected ganglion cyst and often it will illuminate.
How to diagnosis a ganglion cyst?
A ganglion cyst can be diagnosed via aspiration of the mass showing the clear, thick fluid or an MRI.
How to treat a ganglion cyst?
If a ganglion cyst is not causing an issues such as pain or nerve irritation it can just be monitored. Patient can try wearing larger shoes that don’t rub against the mass. Your doctor will try to aspirate the mass and implode it with corticosteroid, If the mass returns after injection or aspiration then surgical excision is done.
Video of ganglion cyst aspiration:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPISQmVfctg
If you have foot or ankle pain and would like a consultation. Make an appointment at Orange County Podiatry with Dr. Andrew Yang https://ocfootandankleclinic.com/appointments/ or call (949) 651-1202