-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