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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffGanglion cysts are noncancerous fluid-filled lumps (cysts) that most commonly develop along the tendons or joints of your wrists or hands. They may also appear in your feet.
A ganglion cyst may develop suddenly or gradually over time. The exact cause is unknown.
In many cases, ganglion cysts will cause you no pain and require no treatment. Often, they go away on their own. When you do need treatment for a ganglion cyst — due to pain or interference with joint movement or for cosmetic concerns — it usually consists of removing the fluid from the ganglion cyst or surgically removing the cyst.
- Cassidy C, et al. Hand and wrist ganglia. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Soft tissue tumors. In: Townsend CM, et al. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/204083196-3/1008522173/1565/724.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3675-3..50078-2--cesec50_4373. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Topper SM. Wrist arthroscopy. In: DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..00020-8--sc5&uniq=204083196&isbn=978-1-4160-3143-7&sid=1008522613. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Ganglion (cyst) of the wrist. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00006#Treatment. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Ganglia. The Merck Manuals: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec05/ch071/ch071b.html. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Zuzek RW, et al. Ganglia. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/201217051-3/0/2088/253.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00016-2--sc0015_5192. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Amadio PC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 25, 2010.
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