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Ganglion Cyst/Soft Tissue mass
What is A Soft Tissue mass vs Ganglion Cyst
A soft tissue mass is any lump under the skin. It can originate from fat, tendon, ligament or scar tissue. These lumps or bumps can vary in size and location base on the tissue of origin.
A ganglion cyst specific type of soft tissue mass that is a fluid filled sac that originates from a tendon sheath or joint capsule. It can often be mistaken for other soft tissue masses. A lump typically forms on the surface of the skin. This lump can change in size depending on the amount of fluid that fills that sac at any given time. The fluid within this sac can harden into a gelatinous form .
Causes
The exact causes are usually unknown but typically occur in the setting of trauma, irritation of the tendon or joint from bony prominences and arthritis.
Symptoms
- Noticeable lump
- Tingling or burning- if the cyst/mass is touching a nerve
- Dull ache or pain
- Difficulty with show gear
Diagnosis
A thorough physical examination of the foot is important in diagnosis. Typically, the lump is prominent and moves freely underneath the skin. Sometimes, the surgeon will shine a light through the cyst to see if light can pass through indicating that the sac may be fluid filled. X-rays and other advanced imaging may also be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. A sample of the fluid may also be taken for evaluation.
Treatment
Non-surgical
- Observation- in cases where there is no pain and does not interfere with walking, the surgeon may decide to carefully watch the mass/cyst over a period of time. Sometimes these cysts go away with time
- Shoe modifications
- Aspiration and injection- if fluid is present within the mass, the fluid can be drain. Steroid can also be injected into the mass.
Surgical
Surgical Treatment involves removal of the mass/cyst as well as any bony prominences that may have caused the formation of the cyst.