Ganglion cysts may be single- or
multilobulated. They are smooth walled, translucent, and white. The
content within a ganglion is clear and highly viscous mucin that
consists of hyaluronic acid, albumin, globulin, and glucosamine. The cyst wall
is made up of collagen fibers, and multilobulated cysts may communicate
through a network of ducts. Ganglia may be obvious or occult. Obvious
ganglia may slowly enlarge or develop suddenly after trauma. These
ganglia often appear as firm, nontender, pea- to marble-sized lesions
beneath the skin. Occult ganglia may compress superficial nerves and
cause dull aching. Ganglia may also produce weakness and altered range
of motion in the wrist and fingers. Imaging modalities such as
ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging may help to identify
suspected or occult ganglia.