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A ganglion cyst is a swelling that often appears on or around joints and tendons in the hand (or sometime feet). The size of the cyst can vary over time, often becoming more inflamed if irritated. It is most frequently located around the wrist and on the fingers.
The exact cause of the formation of ganglion cysts is still unknown but they are usually a herniation of the synovial lining of joints and tendon sheaths. They occur more often in the 20 - 40 age group and in females. They are benign but need to be differentiated from more serious conditions. They contain clear fluid with a high viscosity.
They are not generally considered harmful, although they can cause discomfort and/or limit movement. They can cause pain by their pressure on adjacent nerves. Frequently, the cysts will disappear over time, so in cases of small cysts that do not cause other symptoms, no therapy is necessary. If a ganglion cyst is symptomatic, it can be managed by aspiration or surgery. Aspiration of the cyst is the simpler method, but cysts will develop again in about 50% of cases. Recurrence rate after surgery is only 5-10%, the procedure is simple, and usually there are no complications. Recurrence rates are lower when the hand or finger is immobilized for 1 - 2 weeks.
One traditional method of treating a ganglion cyst was to whack the lump with a large, heavy book. And since even the poorest households usually possessed a Bible, that was what they used, which is how ganglion cysts came to be nicknamed "Bible Bumps" or sometimes "Gideon's Disease."
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"Ganglion cyst"