A ganglion cyst is a small lump that is found above a tendon or joint on your body. These cysts can occur on nearly any joint in the body, but they are primarily found on the hands and wrists. While it can be very scary to see a round lump on your body, ganglion cysts are never cancerous. They will start out as completely painless, but they may start to cause problems down the road. If your ganglion cyst is disrupting your movement or causing pain, then it is probably time to seek treatment at our office in Macomb Township.
The exact cause of a ganglion cyst is not known at the moment. They seem to develop after an injury causes the joint or tendon to shift out of its normal location. People with osteoarthritis are also far more likely to develop a ganglion cyst at some point in their life. Once the cyst develops, it will quickly start to fill up with the same thick fluid that is used by the body to lubricate the joints and tendons.
If you think you have a bothersome ganglion cyst, then you should come get it checked out by our professional in Macomb. Our doctor can perform a physical exam of the hand and wrist. He will also likely put some pressure on the cyst and take some X-rays to get an accurate diagnosis. Once it is determined that you have this kind of cyst, it is time to start your treatment in Macomb.
The first form of treatment used to eliminate your cyst may be immobilization. Moving your joints and tendons can cause your cyst to get larger over time, so you may be given a splint or brace. The hope is that the lack of movement in your joints and tendons will cause the cyst to decrease in size. If this does not happen after a short period of time, then another form of treatment will need to be used.
If immobilization is not successful, then the doctor may attempt to remove the ganglion cyst. This form of treatment involves draining the fluid inside the cyst. While this will decrease the size of the cyst, it may come back in the future.
If the problematic ganglion cyst continues to come back after this form of treatment, then it must be removed using surgery. The entire cyst will be removed from your body during the procedure. The ganglion cyst will have a stalk that is attached to a tendon or joint. This stalk is also removed This is a very simple procedure with almost no risks.
If you suspect you may have a ganglion cyst, make an appointment at Arora Hand Surgery in Macomb, West Bloomfield, Howell, or Warren to learn about your treatment options. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation!
