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Ganglion cysts are
essentially small "outpouchings" of the joint lining filled with fluid.
These can be seen in and around the major joints in the body such as
the wrist and the knee most commonly. These are often found in the
setting of arthritis in which excess fluid within the joint pressurizes
the joint fluid causing the joint lining to pouch out in certain areas.
Because thease are associated with arthritis, they are more common with
increasing age. An MRI is most useful in identifying and diagnosing a
ganglion cyst. The treatment is variable. Certainly, ganglion cysts
that press on major nerves or blood vessels are considered for removal.
Removing the cyst does not address the cause of the cyst and they can
therefore recur. For example, in the knee, these types of cysts are
often called "Baker's cysts". The underlying cause is frequently
arthritis and, if they are simply removed without addressing the
arthritis itself, they tend to recur commonly.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 12 November 2007 )
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