Ganglion cysts

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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

You're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor, although he or she may eventually refer you to a hand surgeon.

What you can do
Before your appointment, you may want to write a list of answers to the following questions:

  • How long have you had the lump? Does it come and go?
  • Have you ever injured the joint nearest the lump?
  • Do you have arthritis?
  • What medications and supplements do you take regularly?

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:

  • Do you have any pain or tenderness?
  • Is it interfering with your ability to use your joint?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
Tests and diagnosis Risk factors
References
  1. Sheon RP, et al. Ganglia and nodules. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Oct. 30, 2012.
  2. Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1678/0.html. Accessed Oct. 30, 2012.
  3. Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2013: 5 Books in 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-08373-7..00002-9&isbn=978-0-323-08373-7&about=true&uniqId=343863096-23. Accessed Oct. 30, 2012.
  4. Ganglion cysts. American Society for Surgery of the Hand. http://www.assh.org/Public/HandConditions/Pages/GanglionCysts.aspx. Accessed Oct. 30, 2012.
  5. Amadio PA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 6, 2012.
DS00767 Jan. 8, 2013

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