CA
A 34-year-old member asked:
I'm told i have a ganglion cyst but i don't see a bump, could it be something else?
10 doctor answers • 21 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alan Chenanswered
Specializes in Plastic Surgery
Yes: Many things can resemble a ganglion cyst. It's not uncommon for a surgeon to go operate on a "ganglion cyst" and found something entirely different.
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6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Lawrence Rufanswered
Plastic Surgery 54 years experience
Yes: If the problem is located at the wrist, comes & goes, & involves little or no pain, but enlarges or shrinks depending on the use of the hand, it is probably a ganglion cyst. These cysts develop when a tear occurs in the small joint ligaments/capsule &joint lubricant leaks. Treatment involves a brief operation to remove the cyst, & repair the joint capsule.Can be confused with radial artery anuerysm.
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6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Lawrence Rufanswered
Plastic Surgery 54 years experience
Yes: Can be confused with radial artery anuerysm, tendon thickening, solid tumor of tendon, ligament, fat, inflamed joint tissue, or a bone prominence. Any surgeon familiar with the anatomy of the hand & wrist should be able to distinguish these , one from the others.
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6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Martin Wertkinanswered
Specializes in General Surgery
Yes: Ganglion cysts can sometimes disappear spontaneously. If you were told that you had a ganglion cyst, a lump must have been present at some time--that is the only way a ganglion cyst can be diagnosed.
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6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Steven Beldneranswered
Specializes in Hand Surgery
Yes: Yes, it can be something else but an MRI is usually very good at picking up cysts that can not be seen. A cyst does not always cause symtoms. That is why you need a good clinician.
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6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Robert W. Alexanderanswered
Plastic Surgery 49 years experience
Yes: Most likely the ganglion cyst (which is associated with the synovial shealth) is felt by the doctor. They can change position and size slightly, which will permit it to be also visually noted. Usually are treated if they become large or symptomatic.
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6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Joseph Perlmananswered
Plastic Surgery 47 years experience
Yes: You could have a bone cyst or you could have tendonitis occurring. Usually , a ganglion cyst will be palpable through the skin , and if you hold a small penlight to it, it will trans-iluminate. Some physicians will try to aspirate the gel like fluid from the cyst and then inject a small amount of steroid solution to try to shrink it. A more definitive exam would be an mri, but these are rather costly.
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6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Shareef Jandalianswered
Plastic Surgery 18 years experience
Could be: Antonia,
not all ganglion cysts are visible on physical exam - some have to be diagnosed by mri. A hand surgeon should be able to give you a better idea of what you have and sometimes the only way to know for sure is to surgically excise the mass.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Todd Sistoanswered
Plastic Surgery 39 years experience
Depends on: How it was diagnosed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Otto Placikanswered
Surgery - Plastics 36 years experience
Imaging?: Ganglion cysts occur on a variety of locations and the diagnosis will depend on findings and may be supported by imaging studies.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 31-year-old member asked:
I have a hard bump, it also hurts when I press on it. is it a ganglion cyst or something else?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Steven Brownanswered
Hand Surgery 41 years experience
Location?: If over a joint and motion of the joint causes it to hurt could be ganglion. Could be foreign body reaction or other inflammatory process as well. If at base of metacarpal bone could be bone spur. Seek care for an exam
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 3, 2018
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