Ganglion গ্যাংলিয়ন টিউমার/ সিস্ট

A ganglion (also known as a ganglion cyst) is a noncancerous, fluid-filled lump or swelling that typically forms along the tendons or joints, particularly in the hands, wrists, and feet. While ganglion cysts are often harmless and may resolve on their own, they can sometimes cause pain or discomfort if they press on nearby nerves or joints.

Key Features of Ganglion Cysts

⦁ Location:

⦁ Most ganglion cysts occur on the wrist, specifically on the back of the wrist, although they can also appear on the hands, fingers, ankles, and feet.

⦁ They can develop over joints or tendons, such as at the base of a finger or around the wrist, where the fluid-filled sac forms.

⦁ Appearance:

⦁ Ganglion cysts are typically round or oval-shaped and are filled with a jelly-like fluid. The size of the cyst can vary, from small to several centimeters in diameter.

⦁ The cyst may feel firm or rubbery and is often translucent, allowing light to pass through.

⦁ Symptoms:

⦁ Painless: Many ganglion cysts cause no symptoms and may not require treatment.

⦁ Pain or discomfort: If the cyst presses against nearby nerves, tendons, or joints, it can cause pain, tenderness, or weakness in the affected area.

⦁ Limitation of movement: A cyst near a joint or tendon may cause difficulty moving the joint, especially if it grows large or is located in a critical area.

⦁ Visible lump: Some ganglion cysts can be seen or felt under the skin as a soft lump.

⦁ Size Variability:

⦁ Ganglion cysts may fluctuate in size; they can grow larger when the affected joint is used more or when the tendon is more active.

⦁ Some cysts may shrink or even disappear on their own over time.

Causes of Ganglion Cysts

The exact cause of ganglion cysts is not fully understood, but they are believed to form when synovial fluid (a lubricating fluid that surrounds joints and tendons) leaks out of a joint or tendon sheath and becomes trapped in a sac. The fluid in the cyst is typically thick and jelly-like, and the cyst can grow in size as more fluid accumulates.

Several factors may contribute to the development of ganglion cysts:

⦁ Joint or tendon irritation: Repetitive motion or joint irritation (from activities like typing, playing instruments, or heavy lifting) may cause the formation of a ganglion cyst.

⦁ Trauma or injury: Injury or trauma to a joint or tendon can lead to fluid leakage and the development of a cyst.

⦁ Joint disease: Conditions such as arthritis or joint instability may increase the likelihood of developing a ganglion cyst.

⦁ Age and gender: Ganglion cysts are more common in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40, and women are more likely to develop them than men.

Diagnosis of Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are often diagnosed through physical examination by a healthcare provider, who will check for a firm, movable lump and may press on the cyst to see if it causes pain or discomfort. In some cases, the following tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis:

⦁ Ultrasound: An ultrasound can help visualize the cyst and differentiate it from other conditions, such as tumors or infections. It can also confirm the cyst’s fluid-filled nature.

⦁ X-ray: Although X-rays do not show soft tissue, they may be used to rule out bone issues or other causes of joint or wrist pain.

⦁ MRI: In rare cases where the cyst is difficult to diagnose or is deep within tissues, an MRI may be used to get a clearer image.

⦁ Aspiration (needle biopsy): In some cases, a doctor may insert a needle into the cyst to withdraw (aspirate) the fluid. This can help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible conditions. The fluid typically looks thick and gel-like and is not infected.