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Ganglion Cyst

Faraz Yousefian, DO, Sujitha Yadlapati, MD and Daniel Fischer, DO, MA Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

  • Ganglion cyst is common benign tumors that is not related to nerve tissue (as implied incorrectly by the name).

  • Can be located anywhere throughout the body but is usually adjacent to or within j...

DIAGNOSIS

Usually made on basis of history and physical examination 

HISTORY

  • Patients present with an asymptomatic mass that has been present for months or years (most common) or when the cyst becomes p...

TREATMENT

Four primary treatment options include the following: 
  • Reassurance and observation: Ganglia are not likely to be malignant or to cause damage; may treat with splinting and NSAIDs if desired f...

ONGOING CARE

May require supervised hand therapy after surgical repair to improve stiffness and function. 

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Hand/occupational therapy may be helpful if ganglion symptoms persist...

REFERENCES

1
Meena  S, Gupta  A. Dorsal wrist ganglion: current review of literature. J Clin Orthop Trauma.  2014;5(2):59–64. [View Abstract on OvidMedline] ...

ADDITIONAL READING

Gant  J, Ruff  M, Janz  BA. Wrist ganglions. J Hand Surg Am.  2011;36(3):510–512. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]  

SEE ALSO

Algorithm: Pain in Upper Extremity 

CODES

ICD10

  • M67.40 Ganglion, unspecified site

  • M67.48 Ganglion, other site

  • M67.439 Ganglion, unspecified wrist

  • M67.479 Ganglion, unspecified ankle and foot

  • M67.469 Ganglion, unspecified knee

  • M67.472 Ganglion...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Ganglion cysts (technically not true cysts) are the most common wrist masses.

  • Diagnosis is based on history and physical examination.

  • Treatment options include observation, aspiration, a...

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