A Ganglion cyst is a tumor or swollen area on top of a joint or covering of a tendon, usually in the wrist area. Ganglion cysts may also be referred to as “Bible cysts” (www.emedicinehealth.com) because of the old fashioned practice of hitting the cysts with a Bible or other heavy book to rupture them. In today’s modern times, this practice is no longer used for obvious reasons.
Ganglion cysts may appear on the back of the hand, on the wrist joint, and less often, on the palm of the hand. They are not harmful or cancerous but may interfere with the ability to move the wrist properly and may cause pain. The cysts are made up of a sac of liquid that contains thick, sticky, clear, colorless matter of a jellylike consistency. They may feel firm or spongy to the touch. There may be one cyst or several smaller cysts usually connected by a common stalk. They may change in size, appearing smaller, then larger, and may continue repeating this cycle.
Ganglion cysts occur more often in women, with up to 70 percent of cases being with females. They usually occur within the age range of 20-40, with cases of children under age 10 being uncommon. Ironically, my seven year old daughter just had a Ganglion cyst surgically removed from her wrist, as it had grown to a large size that was affecting her ability to grasp with her left hand, and causing her some pain. Many people with Ganglion cysts will experience no symptoms or pain from it. My son developed one in his early 20s and had to have it removed because it was on his writing hand and was causing a lot of pain. I had one in my early 20s, which I believe resulted after a bad sprang on my wrist. Mine was small and hurt a lot, and after several months, went away on it’s own.
Many Ganglion cysts will disappear on their own, never to return again. Some may disappear, only to come back once again, or return several times. Since the actual cause of Ganglion cysts is unknown, this makes methods of prevention nearly impossible. No known cause equals no known way to avoid getting one. Some common forms of treatment are aspiration, where a needle is inserted to draw out the fluid. However, with this method, many cysts return, because the “shell” of the cyst was not removed, allowing the possibility of it re-filling.
Some believe a trauma or injury to the wrist area could be the cause of developing a Ganglion cyst. In my case, I feel that is exactly what happened. Another possible theory is that a flaw in the joint capsule or the covering of the tendon allows the tissue of the joint to bulge.
If you feel you or your child may have a Ganglion cyst, I would strongly recommend seeing your physician to have it checked out.