Ganglion Cyst

Do you have a lump or bump on your foot?

Don't know what it is?

Q & A

What Is a Ganglion Cyst?

A ganglion cyst is a soft tissue mass filled with a jelly-like fluid that originates from a tendon sheath or joint capsule. The word “ganglion” means “knot” and is used to describe the knot-like mass or lump that forms below the surface of the skin.

Ganglion cysts are one of 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 of the foot, but elsewhere as well. Ganglion cysts vary in size, may get smaller and larger with time, and may even disappear completely, only to return later.

Causes

Although the exact cause of ganglion cysts is unknown, they may arise from trauma – whether a single event or repetitive micro-trauma.

Symptoms

A ganglion cyst is associated with one or more of the following symptoms:

A noticeable lump – often this is the only symptom experienced
Tingling or burning, if the cyst is pressing against 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

Diagnosis

To diagnose a ganglion cyst, Dr. Tien will perform a thorough examination of the foot. The lump will be visually apparent and, when pressed in a certain way, it should move freely underneath the skin. Sometimes the surgeon will shine a light through the cyst or remove a small amount of fluid from the cyst for evaluation. Your doctor may take an x-ray, and in some cases additional imaging studies may be ordered.

Non-Surgical Treatment

There are various options for treating a ganglion cyst on the foot:

Self-monitoring- If the cyst causes no pain and does not interfere with walking, Dr. Tien may decide it is best to carefully watch the cyst over a period of time.
Shoe modifications- Wear shoes that do not rub the cyst or cause irritation. 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, it is possible that the cyst may recur.

When is Surgery Needed?

When non-surgical treatment options are exhausted, the cyst may need to be surgically removed, especially if it is causing compression against a nerve and exacerbating symptoms. 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.