What is a Ganglion Cyst?

Discussion Lumps and bumps in the pediatric age group are most often benign. They can be from unwitnessed/unrecognized trauma (e.g. leg bruise, Osgood-Schlater disease, insect bites), normal pubertal changes (e.g. gynecomastia, testicular enlargement, acne) or normal variants (e.g. prominence of mastoid or occipital process). Some are often uncomplicated but need appropriate treatment (e.g. early abscess formation, inguinal hernia, dermoid cyst). Prominent lymph nodes are a very common reason for parents to come to the physician. Patients and families are often distressed by these masses and seek help because “they weren’t there before” or “they’re not going away.” They are often surprised to find out that the mass is benign or normal but are happily reassured. Learning Point Ganglion cysts (GC) are cystic masses that can overlying a tendon, ligament, joint and occasionally a bone. They are benign but because of size or location may need treatment. GC are not considered true cysts as they do not have an epithelial cell lining. The etiology is unclear but the walls are made up of smooth muscle cell variants and there is mucinous fluid within. They can be solitary or multilobulated. Often they are not palpable and are found secondary to evaluation for other problems. GC can occur anywhere in the appendicular skeleton but wrists are a very common location and are the most common cause of wrist soft tissue masses in the general population. Th...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news