Ganglion is quite a common condition which appears like a cyst or lump. It may look like a small balloon. Mostly it consists of fluid or gel like substance. It usually arises from joint capsule or tendon sheath.
Common sites of Ganglion formation is joints or tendons. Though, they can occur at any joint mostly they are seen at hands & feet. Commonest locations are-
- Wrist {Both on palmar side (volar wrist ganglion) and back side, (dorsal wrist Ganglion); but back/ dorsum of wrist more common}
- Finger base (when they are present on the end of the fingers they are known as Mucous cyst)
- Finger joint
- Knee (it usually forms at the back of the knee and is known as BAKER CYST)
- Feet
Nearly 88% of Ganglia are found on the small joints of hands. Though, exact causes of Ganglion is unknown it is believed, that there may be out-pouching of the joint fluid resulting in lump formation. Under normal circumstances, joints are lubricated with lubricating fluid called Synovial fluid; but if leak occurs in joint capsule due to any cause; it may cause Ganglion. Like one way valve the fluid accumulates outside the joint capsule & does not go back. But it may also regress itself.
In ancient times, people usually used to crush the cyst by hurting it heavily with family Bible. Since Bible used to be very heavy and a large book and also readily available at every household, it used to be the treatment option. Hence this cyst is also called as Bible cyst. Smashing the cyst hard; burst the cyst. Fluid enters the surrounding tissue and gets drained by blood. But this can be painful, may damage other structures and recurrence rate is higher.
Note: This form of self treatment is neither practiced nor advised. It may cause severe damage to joint & is strongly not recommended.
