Ganglion cyst

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**Ganglion cyst**
*Classifications and external resources*

Cyst on left wrist
ICD-9	xxx
DiseasesDB	31229
eMedicine	orthoped/493

A ganglion cyst (also known as a bible bump) is a swelling that often appears on or around joints and tendons in the hand (or sometimes feet). The size of the cyst can vary over time, often becoming more inflamed if irritated. It is most frequently located around the wrist and on the fingers.

1 Cause
2 Effects
3 Treatment
4 External links

[edit] Cause

The exact cause of the formation of ganglion cysts is still unknown but they are usually a herniation of the synovial lining of joints and tendon sheaths. They occur more often in the 20–40 age group and in females but tests show that the rate of young males producing this ganglion are becoming high around the wrist area. They are benign but need to be differentiated from more serious conditions. They contain synovial fluid, a clear, slippery, viscous fluid often compared to albumen. The fluid seeps into the cavity from the joints, where it is used for lubrication.

[edit] Effects

They are not generally considered harmful, although they can cause discomfort and/or limit movement. They can cause pain by their pressure on adjacent nerves.

[edit] Treatment

Frequently, the cysts will disappear over time, so in cases of small cysts that do not cause other symptoms, no therapy is necessary.

If a ganglion cyst is symptomatic, it can be managed by aspiration or excision. Aspiration of the cyst is the simpler method, but cysts will develop again in about 50% of cases. Recurrence rate after surgery is only 5–10%; the procedure is simple, and usually there are no complications. Recurrence rates are lower when the hand or finger is immobilized for 1–2 weeks.

One traditional method of treating a ganglion cyst was to strike the lump with a large, heavy book. And since even the poorest households usually possessed a Bible, that was what they used, which is how ganglion cysts came to be nicknamed "Bible Bumps" or sometimes "Gideon's Disease." This method of treatment is no longer recommended as patients risk damage to the surrounding area.