-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
cutaneous system
ganglion
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition:
an organized fluid-filled tumor on a tendon or aponeurosis, often on the dorsal wrist

etiology:
repetitive microtrauma and overuse

signs and symptoms

signs and symptoms:
• a soft, often tender, palpable mass, usually on the dorsal wrist
• may be asymptomatic
• pain upon weight-bearing wrist extension such as in bicycling or push-ups

course and prognosis

rarely resolve spontaneously; can be asymptomatic or flare up when placed under physical stress; aspiration of the thick fluid is possible using a large-bore needle, but the ganglion will usually fill again within a few weeks; patients often attempt to burst the cyst using a large, flat, heavy object such as an encyclopedia, but this rudimentary home treatment, while occasionally successful, does not prevent reoccurrence

differential diagnosis

• lipoma
• neurofibroma
• tendonitis
• tenosynovitis
• fracture
• dislocation of a carpal bone
• subluxation of a carpal bone


footnotes