What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Bible Bump (Ganglion Cyst)
• Bible Cyst (Ganglion Cyst)
• Gideon’s Disease

What is Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist? (Definition/Background Information)

• A ganglion cyst is characterized as a benign noncancerous fluid-filled lump that commonly develops in the hand or wrist. It usually occurs near the surrounding tendons of the wrist joints
• Currently, the underlying cause of a Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist is unknown. Women are more likely to develop the fluid-filled wrist lump, than men
• Ganglion cysts may develop at several other locations too, such as the ankles and feet. However, this abnormality predominantly develops on the back of the wrist
• Treatment associated with the condition includes the use of both nonsurgical and surgical methods. The prognosis of the condition is usually excellent

Who gets Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist may occur in individuals of all ages, races, ethnic groups, or gender
• Overall, individuals between the ages of 15-40 years, seem to have the highest rate of occurrence
• The condition is also more common in women, than in men

What are the Risk Factors for Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors associated with Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist include:

• Any occupation or sport that causes repetitive stress on the wrist
• Sex: Women have a higher risk of developing the condition, than men

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist? (Etiology)

Currently, the underlying cause of a Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist is unknown. However, several contributing factors have been proposed by researchers, which are believed to be linked to their formation. These include:

• Participation in certain sports that puts repetitive stress on the wrist, like gymnastics
• Certain occupations that causes repetitive stress on the wrist joint, such as carpentry or painting

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist?

Signs and symptoms of a Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist include:

• Abnormal growth or swelling, observed on or around the wrist
• A visible fluid-filled lump on the wrist
• Pain around the wrist joint, associated with movement
• Persistent pain may be present, if the lump is pressing on a surrounding nerve

How is Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose a Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist include:

• Physical examination: A physician will perform a thorough physical examination of the wrist. During this exam, a physician may apply pressure to the cyst on the wrist, to identify if any tenderness or discomfort exists. The physician may also shine a penlight through the cyst, to verify if the lump is filled with fluid. In addition to this, a complete medical history can aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• X-ray of wrist: X-rays use radiation to produce images of the wrist. This can help the physician rule out other possible causes for wrist discomfort, such as arthritis or bone tumors
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI is a more detailed scan that uses a magnetic field to produce images that allow a physician to view any damage to the bones and soft tissue that surrounds the wrist
• Needle aspiration: It is a method used to confirm the diagnosis of a ganglion cyst. During this technique, a syringe is used to aspirate the fluid from the cyst and sent to a lab for further analysis
• Ultrasound imaging of the wrist joint: High-frequency sound waves are used to generate a more detailed image of the wrist, which may lead to the discovery of a cyst. Sometimes, an ultrasound of the wrist may help in diagnosing a deep-seated cyst, not readily visible to eye (termed occult ganglion cyst)

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist?

Complications of Ganglion Cysts of the Wrist include:

• If left untreated, it may cause chronic pain, if the abnormal growth begins to compress a nerve
• Complications due to needle aspirations (a diagnostic or treatment tool) are generally rare. Despite this, an infection is the most common complication due to aspiration, associated with a ganglion cyst. However, such an infection can be treated using antibiotics
• Recurrence of the cyst after treatment

How is Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist Treated?

Once, a Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist is diagnosed, its condition is monitored. Unless an individual is exhibiting persistent pain, or if the lump is causing cosmetic issues, they are generally ‘watched’ and not treated. If the healthcare provider decides to treat the condition, then, both nonsurgical and surgical methods are available to treat a Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist.

The nonsurgical treatment measures for Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist are:

• A complete immobilization of the wrist with a cast may be required, in order to restrict movement. Such immobilization may help in controlling a further increase in cyst size
• Corticosteroid injections into the wrist space may help in providing a temporary relief of the symptoms, such as pain. It is important to note that corticosteroid injections only give temporary relief and prolonged episodes of such injection may injure the joints in the long run. Corticosteroid injections are usually administered, after the cyst is drained
• Needle aspiration for Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist is also a method physicians may use to treat the condition. During this technique, a physician uses a syringe to drain fluid from the cyst. This method of treatment is usually not preferred, due to the small risk of infection it involves and a high rate of recurrence of the cyst

The surgical treatment measures for Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist are:

• Surgical excision: A surgical excision involves the removal of the ganglion cyst and any surrounding attached tissue

How can Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no definitive methods available, to prevent a Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist. However, early evaluation and treatment, is recommended to achieve successful outcomes
• A factor that may be helpful in preventing the condition includes the avoidance of any physical activity that causes repetitive stress on the wrist

What is the Prognosis of Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Ganglion cysts are benign non-cancerous growths that physicians usually monitor, in order to observe if it resolves on its own. The long-term prognosis of a Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist is usually good, in a majority of the individuals
• Individuals with persistent pain due to the cyst, usually require a surgery. Nevertheless, the Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist is a condition that may recur after treatment

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist:

In ancient times, a heavy book such as a bible was often used, to hit on the cyst as a treatment measure. The force of the hit would generally rupture the cyst. Though this method is no longer used, the name ‘Bible Cyst’ is attributed to a ganglion cyst.