10 Essential Things to Know About Ganglion Cysts
Cysts are quite scary things. We don’t know why they occur and they become a cause for concern. Knowing more about them is essential, since this information helps us understand whether a cyst is a sign of something serious or it’s just a bump that occurred on the body.
Have you ever heard of ganglion cysts? These cysts are quite common, and everyone can get them, so you might want to know more about them. Here are some important things to know about ganglion cysts:
1. What is a ganglion cyst?
Any strange bump or lump on your body is worrisome. A ganglion cyst is a benign fluid-filled lump that occurs on the joints or tendons. And it’s pretty common. To make sure you know how to recognize ganglion cysts and treat them, keep reading to find out the important facts about these growths.
2. Ganglion cysts can affect people of all ages
If you’ve got a ganglion cyst, know that it affects everyone and does not mean you’re aging. It’s actually extremely common among younger women. Even children can get them. Men are less prone, but they still can develop them.
3. There is no need to treat them unless they press on your nerve
Ganglion cysts don’t require any treatment unless they press on a nerve and provoke wrist pain or affect muscle function. If a cyst hurts or you don’t like its lumpy look, you can have it aspirated. You can get rid of it by getting a quick and painless procedure in which your doctor sticks a needle into the cyst and drains out the fluid.
4. Ganglion cyst is mobile and hard
Many people think that ganglion cysts are squishy. But they’re filled with a thick gelatinous fluid and are hard. A ganglion cyst has a regular shape (like rounded edges) and you can easily move them.
5. Ganglion cysts can change their size
Ganglion cysts can change their size since the fluid level inside changes. They may even go away on their own. In some cases, the bump may spontaneously leak or burst, and the body reabsorbs the fluid and it goes down, only to fill back up again.
6. Ganglion cysts are always benign
Many people believe that ganglion cysts can turn into cancerous tumors. Fortunately, it’s a myth. They’re always totally benign. Imaging tests aren’t typically needed to make a diagnosis, but doctors can sometimes take an X-ray to make sure that the joint is healthy.
7. Ganglion cysts tend to reoccur
Once a person has developed a ganglion cyst, they are prone to developing them again. If your lump returns, don’t worry and keep in mind that they’re completely harmless.
8. Ganglion cysts light up
Point a flashlight or penlight at your lump. If light shines through the cyst, you know you definitely have a ganglion cyst. Why is this exercise important? You can distinguish what type of lump you may have. A bump won’t light up if it’s a solid mass, but only if it’s a liquid-filled one.
9. Ganglion cysts are also called Bible cysts
Common treatment a few generations ago was whacking the cyst with a bible or dictionary. If you happen to bang it, it may temporarily get smaller. But it’s not a good idea, since you could cause trauma to the joint.
10. Ganglion cysts can occur anywhere on the body
Interestingly, people can get these cysts anywhere. 60 to 70 percent of people develop ganglion cysts on the front or back of the wrist. Other common areas include the feet and fingers, though you can get them near any joint. And if you’ve had a trauma to a jointor tendon, you’re more likely to get a cyst there.