Summary
The origin of ganglion cysts is unclear but they are commonly associated with degenerative conditions of soft tissue or bone. They may occur adjacent to joints, tendons, fascial planes, and within bone.
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The origin of ganglion cysts is unclear but they are commonly associated with degenerative conditions of soft tissue or bone. They may occur adjacent to joints, tendons, fascial planes, and within bone.
Most ganglion cysts can be definitively diagnosed based on a careful history and physical examination. By history the lesion has a tendency to both increase and decrease in size over time. On exam, ganglion cyst typically has superficial location, and may be adjacent to a joint. When these lesions occur near a joint, there is often osteoarthritis seen on the xray. The mass is soft when the nearby joint is relaxed, and becomes firm when the nearby joint or muscle is tensed. A pen light or a small laser pointer will transilluminate the cyst.