Highlights & Basics
- Ganglion cysts are the most common benign lesion of the hand/wrist.
- Typically, insidious onset with no predisposing conditions.
- Usually only a cosmetic problem but local pain and neurovascular compression may occur.
- Conservative management usually suffices if no neurovascular compromise.
- Aspiration of dorsal cysts can be therapeutic and diagnostic.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
American College of Radiology. ACR appropriateness criteria: soft tissue masses. 2022 [internet publication].[Full Text]
American College of Radiology. ACR appropriateness criteria: chronic hand and wrist pain. 2023 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Lee I. Clinical treatments for wrist ganglia. ASERNIP-S Report No. 63. Adelaide, South Australia: ASERNIP-S, October 2008 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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30. Zubowicz VN, Ishii CH. Management of ganglion cysts of the hand by simple aspiration. J Hand Surg Am. 1987 Jul;12(4):618-20.[Abstract]
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