Ganglions in children: Overview
A ganglion is a small sac, or cyst, filled with a clear fluid that is like jelly. A ganglion may look like a bump on the hand or wrist. It also can appear on the feet, ankles, knees, or shoulders. It is not cancer. A ganglion can grow out of the protective area, or capsule, around a joint. It also can grow on a tendon sheath, which covers the ropelike tendons that connect muscle to bone. A ganglion may hurt or cause numbness if it presses on a nerve.
Many ganglions do not need treatment, and they often go away on their own. But if a ganglion hurts, causes numbness, or limits activity, the doctor may want to drain it with a needle and syringe or remove it with minor surgery.
Ganglion
A ganglion is a small sac (cyst) filled with clear, jellylike fluid that often appears as a bump on the hands and wrists, but it can also develop on feet, ankles, knees, or shoulders. Ganglions are not cancerous.
The cause of ganglions is not known, but it may be a reaction to an injury that causes the tendon sheath (which covers the tendon) or joint capsule (which protects the joint) to form extra fluid and balloon out.
A ganglion grows out of a joint, pushing up out of the joint tissue like a balloon. Most people with ganglions notice that the bumps appear suddenly. They may be as small as a small green pea or larger, are usually not painful, and may be movable. They may grow as activity increases, because more fluid collects in the sac. They may also shrink and may break open on their own.
Ganglions are not serious and may go away on their own. If a ganglion is not bothersome, treatment is usually not needed. If a ganglion is painful or unsightly or limits activity, it can be drained (aspirated) and possibly injected with a corticosteroid, although ganglions often come back after being drained. A ganglion can also be surgically removed.
Smashing a ganglion with a heavy object is not recommended because it usually does not work and may cause injury.
What are the symptoms of ganglions?
Ganglions are usually painless bumps that don't cause other symptoms. But sometimes they're tender to the touch. The pain may get worse with activity or pressure. If the ganglion puts pressure on nearby nerves, you may have tingling in your fingers, hand, or forearm. Some ganglions can weaken your grip or affect joint motion.
How are ganglions treated?
Ganglions often go away on their own. But sometimes treatment is needed. Your doctor may have you wear a wrist or finger splint. They may also drain fluid from the bump with a needle (aspiration) or inject hydrocortisone into the joint. In some cases, they may do surgery to remove it.
How are ganglions diagnosed?
A ganglion can usually be diagnosed based on how it looks and where it is. Your doctor will also feel the bump and shine a light alongside it. If the bump is a ganglion, the light usually shines through it.
You may need an X-ray if your doctor suspects arthritis or injury. Some of the fluid found in the ganglion may be removed and examined. In rare cases, an MRI or ultrasound may be done.
How can you care for yourself when you have ganglions?
Using a wrist or finger splint may be all that's needed for the ganglion to shrink and disappear on its own. Don't try to smash or drain it. If the ganglion breaks open on its own, cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.
What causes ganglions?
Experts don't know the exact cause of ganglions. They may be linked to:
- Inflammation or irritation of the tendon sheath or joint capsule.
- An injury.
- Overuse or repetitive motions, such as those you do at work.
- Arthritis. A common type of ganglion called a mucous cyst ganglion occurs with arthritis of the hands. It usually affects the joint nearest the fingernail.
Dorsal Wrist Ganglion
Ganglions are small sacs (cysts) filled with clear, jellylike fluid. They often appear as bumps on the hands and wrists, but they can also develop on the feet, ankles, knees, or shoulders. A ganglion can grow out of a joint capsule, which surrounds and protects the joint, or out of a tendon sheath, which covers the tendon (the ropey fibers connecting muscle to bone). Most people with ganglions notice that the bumps appear suddenly.
Ganglions in children: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the cyst.
- Pus draining from the cyst.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child has increasing pain.
- Your child's ganglion is getting larger.
- Your child still has pain or numbness from a ganglion.
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