Retinacular cysts are
small cysts that occur just below the skin on the palmar side of the joint at the base of the finger
. These cysts are treated by Dr. Peter G. Fitzgibbons, MD at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics: Maryland Orthopedic Specialists Division.
What causes Retinacular cyst?
The cyst grows
out of a joint or the lining of a tendon
, looking like a small bubble on a stem. They tend to occur when the tissue surrounding a tendon or joint bulges out of place. The cyst is filled with fluid similar to that in joints and around tendons.
Is a Retinacular cyst the same as a ganglion cyst?
Retinacular cysts are
simply ganglion cysts
that come from the flexor tendon sheath of the finger. Retinacular cysts often lead to pain when gripping objects. Fortunately, they are benign and easily treated. Initial treatment is by aspiration with a needle, removing the fluid from the center of the cyst.
Will a volar ganglion cyst go away on its own?
A common ailment, ganglion cysts won’t endanger your health but they can be painful and affect the appearance of your hands.
Often, ganglion cysts will go away on their own
. However, when cysts grow large enough to cause tingling, pain and muscle weakness, surgery may be necessary.
What is an occult cyst?
Some ganglion cysts are so small that they don’t cause obvious physical swelling, but they still cause pain. They are known as occult ganglions. Your healthcare provider may order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test or an ultrasound to reveal them.
Do Retinacular cysts go away on their own?
Retinacular cysts rarely get in the way of motion or are painful by themselves.
If left alone most eventually resolve on their own
. If they are not bothersome, nothing needs to be done.
What is cyst infection?
A cyst is not a normal part of the tissue where it is located. It has a distinct membrane and is separated from nearby tissue. The outer (capsular) portion of a cyst is called the cyst wall. If the sac is filled with pus, the cyst is infected and will turn into what is called an
abscess
.
What makes ganglion cyst worse?
Symptoms of ganglion cysts
The lump is usually soft and immobile. In some cases, the lump is painful and aching, particularly those at the base of fingers. The
ache and pain is made worse by moving any nearby joints
. The affected tendon may cause a sensation of muscular weakness.
What happens if a ganglion cyst bursts internally?
What happens when a ganglion cyst ruptures?
Under the pressure of the impact
, the cyst bursts internally and the fluid spreads out beneath the skin. Eventually, the bloodstream absorbs it. The affected area will likely be red, sore and swollen for a few days.
Osteoarthritis. People who have wear-and-tear arthritis in the finger joints closest to their fingernails are at higher risk of developing ganglion cysts near those joints. Joint or tendon injury. Joints or tendons that have been injured in the past are more likely to develop ganglion cysts.
What happens if a ganglion cyst goes untreated?
Ganglion cyst complications
If left untreated, complications can occur. The most common complication is
infection
. If the cyst fills with bacteria, it will become an abscess that could burst inside the body and lead to blood poisoning.
Should I worry about a ganglion cyst?
Don’t be overly concerned
if you’ve been diagnosed with a ganglion cyst. This noncancerous growth develops on your wrist or finger and may look alarming, as it’s filled with a jelly-like fluid. The cyst isn’t threatening to your medical well-being, but can cause pain and affect your hand’s ability to function.
Can I pop my ganglion cyst with a needle?
Don’t try to pop the cyst yourself
by puncturing it with a needle or cutting into it with a sharp tool. Not only is this unlikely to be effective, but can lead to infection or a risk of recurrence. Don’t strike your cyst with a heavy object.
Will a cyst show up on xray?
Although
x-rays will not show a ganglion cyst
, they can be used to rule out other conditions, such as arthritis or a bone tumor.
What does a cyst look like on MRI?
Regarding MRI, they are manifested as
small, sharply and well defined, usually homogeneous fluid-filled lesions
, surrounded by an outer low-signal margin due to fibrous tissue.
Can you see a cyst on an ultrasound?
Pelvic and Transvaginal Ultrasound
A pelvis ultrasound can allow the doctor to
see the cyst with sound waves and help determine whether it is comprised of fluid, solid tissue, or a mixture of the two.
