Bible Ganglion Cysts Specialist
A ganglion cyst is a benign soft tissue mass most commonly present over a joint or tendon sheath (lining of a tendon). It is a sac filled with a characteristic jelly-like fluid. This is one of the most common types of soft tissue masses present in the foot and ankle. The exact cause is unknown. Diagnosis is confirmed through aspiration of the mass and sending this fluid to the pathologist for examination under a microscope. In more complex cases, advanced imaging may be necessary (like an ultrasound or MRI) to confirm the diagnosis.
Surgery is needed when other treatment options have failed (like aspiration). The recurrence rate with surgical excision is lower with aspiration and injection therapy; however, there are cases in which the ganglion can return even with surgery.
Here is a video of a large cyst excised by Dr. Nodelman (graphic content ahead).