What is a ganglion cyst?
A ganglion cyst is a fluid filled sac usually with synovial synovial fluid. The synovial fluid has a very high viscosity which is the same fluid as a joint or a tendon which are two of the most common sites of origin of this to cyst. However, there are situations , and conditions that mimic a ganglion cyst that can be cancerous they are synovial sarcoma, giant cell, tumors or even bone tumors, an MRI scan with contrast can help to differentiate the lesion. Your podiatric surgeon will assess your individual situation. Those that require excision are: rapidly increasing in size, discoloration or limits your ability to walk.
Additional information from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeon about ganglion cyst below.
Ganglion Cyst
Ganglion cysts are among the most common benign soft-tissue masses. Although they most often occur on the wrist, they also frequently develop on the foot – usually on the top, but elsewhere as well. Ganglion cysts vary in size, may get smaller and larger, and may even disappear completely, only to return later.- A noticeable lump – often this is the only symptom experienced
- Tingling or burning, if the cyst is touching a nerve
- Dull pain or ache – which may indicate the cyst is pressing against a tendon or joint
- Difficulty wearing shoes due to irritation between the lump and the shoe
- Monitoring, but no treatment. If the cyst causes no pain and does not interfere with walking, the surgeon may decide it is best to carefully watch the cyst over a period of time.
- Shoe modifications. Wearing shoes that do not rub the cyst or cause irritation may be advised. In addition, placing a pad inside the shoe may help reduce pressure against the cyst.
- Aspiration and injection. This technique involves draining the fluid and then injecting a steroid medication into the mass. More than one session may be needed. Although this approach is successful in some cases, in many others the cyst returns.
When is Surgery Needed?When other treatment options fail or are not appropriate, the cyst may need to be surgically removed. While the recurrence rate associated with surgery is much lower than that experienced with aspiration and injection therapy, there are nevertheless cases in which the ganglion cyst returns.
FFLC treats these and other foot / ankle ailments with ease. Call: 239 430 3668 option 2.
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