Ganglion cyst

A ganglion cyst is a sac filled with a jellylike fluid that originates from a tendon sheath or joint capsule. The word ganglion means knot because it looks like a knot-like mass or lump that forms below the surface of the skin.

They are the most common benign soft-tissue masses. They mostly occur on the wrist but they also can develop on the foot usually on top. Sometimes they disappear altogether but will eventually reappear.

The exact cause of the ganglion is unknown. Most often it is from trauma.

A ganglion is associated with one or more of the following symptoms: A noticeable lump which can be the only symptom. There can be tingling or burning if the cyst is touching a nerve. There can be a dull pain or ache which means the cyst is pressing against a tendon or joint. Or difficulty wearing shoes because of irritation between the lump and the shoe.

To diagnose a ganglion the podiatrist will press a certain way and it should move freely underneath the skin. An x-ray or additional imaging may be needed.

Sometimes an aspiration is needed to drain the fluid and then inject a steroid into the mass to shrink it. But in many cases it will come back. Or the Doctor will just monitor it if the cyst does not cause any pain and does not interfere with walking. The Doctor may decide it is best to just monitor it over a period of time.

When other treatment options fail the cyst may need to be surgically removed. While the recurrence rate associated with surgery is much lower than the aspiration there are still cases where the ganglion returns.

So if you have noticed a lump on your foot and not sure what it is, give Dr. T. F. Vail a call at 419-423-1888 to have it checked before it gets to the point where it is painful.