Ganglion (cyst)

[kurnell]

Anyone ever had one removed in Bangkok? I reckon I will just go to a clinic as the hospitals will charge like it is minor surgery (10k ish)

[jrtmedic]

Removal of a ganglion is "minor" surgery !

Cost will depend on the site and size of the ganglion.

Personally I would not have any surgery undertaken in a clinic!

Would suggest you do some research - find a surgeon (Hand/Plastic/Orthopaedic) go for a consultation (cheap!) and get a specific quote. The surgery for most ganglia can be undertaken on a day case/outpatient basis.

[Totster]

Get a big heavy book and give it a whack.. it will disappear as if by magic. Have done so myself with success - only came back once and it got the same treatment, no further re-occurances to date.

totster

[jrtmedic]

kurnell

Forgot to mention.

If this is a new ganglion surgery often is not the first treatment of choice.

It is possible for many of these "cysts" to be simply aspirated using a syringe/needle with good success rates !

[up-country_sinclair]

Back in the day, these were called "telephone book cysts", because the method of treatment was hitting it with a telephone book.

[jrtmedic]

I well remember a person "treating" their ganglion using the method you describe.

The book rebounded from the ganglion and hit the individual in the eye ! The cyst remained intact !

Moral of the story ?

Wear protective eye goggles if you want to try this !

Edited August 1, 2013 by jrtmedic

[FBN]

Please don't attempt the "book" method or aspiration as the cyst will invariably recur and the leak of the joint fluid into tissues may cause a tissue reaction. The ganglion develops from a weakness in the joint fibrous support of the wrist joint and the viscous fluid in the joint then blows out the membrane lining the joint through this weak spot; the ganglion is filled with this fluid. The thin connection of the cyst to the joint must be identified during surgery and properly tied off and perhaps a repair done to the fibrous sheath as well to prevent recurrence. The surgery should be performed in a "bloodless" field (with the help of a tourniquet) to be able to clearly identify the anatomical structures. Minor surgery but needs to be done properly.

[kurnell]

Get a big heavy book and give it a whack.. it will disappear as if by magic. Have done so myself with success - only came back once and it got the same treatment, no further re-occurances to date.

totster

I'm glad I didn't say I have a cyst on my balls

[jrtmedic]

FBN

In fact little is to be gained by excision/aspiration or simply doing nothing !

Dias J, Buch K. Palmar wrist ganglion: does intervention improve outcome? A prospective study of the natural history and patient-reported treatment outcomes. J Hand Surg Br. 2003 Apr;28(2):172-6.

Most seek medical assistance for purely cosmetic reasons !

[jrtmedic]

Apologies I forgot to past the link ---here it is !

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12631492

[Sheryl]

The OP did not mention where the cyst is located so we cannot assume it is palmar.

Aspiration is often effective depending in location and size.

This is a good overview of treatment options, which do indeed generally include doing nothing and aspiration

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ganglion-cysts/DS00767/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

[kurnell]

The OP did not mention where the cyst is located so we cannot assume it is palmar.

Aspiration is often effective depending in location and size.

This is a good overview of treatment options, which do indeed generally include doing nothing and aspiration

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ganglion-cysts/DS00767/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

It's on my wrist, a third of the way to my elbow

[jrtmedic]

The Mayo clinic link posted by Sheryl clearly outlines your options.

If you tell where you are living someone may give you some pointers toward a finding good place/doctor to secure advice.

http://www.mayoclini...ments-and-drugs

[2020]

Back in the day, these were called "telephone book cysts", because the method of treatment was hitting it with a telephone book.

Yep, my doctor (20 years ago) said that name and he also called it a bible bump for the same reason. Mine was on the underside of my wrist and he said about surgery as an option as well.

I used a book and although it hurt a bit for a few minutes, the bump vanished never to return.

Happy days.