Orthopaedic MD

This article focuses on the clinical presentation and treatment of the ganglion cyst. A complete history and thorough physical examination, complimented by radiographs and basic knowledge of the anatomy of the hand and common clinical patterns of presentation for ganglion cysts, vastly improve the accuracy of diagnosis and further direct treatment options. Once the diagnosis is established, both operative and nonoperative treatment options are available.
Synonyms and related keywords: ganglia, ganglions, hand cyst, hand tumor, wrist tumor, soft tissue tumor of the hand and wrist, mucous cyst, dorsal wrist ganglion, volar wrist ganglion, volar retinacular ganglion, distal interphalangeal ganglion, wrist cyst, mucin, ganglionectomy
Kouris & Derman 2007

Madigan Army Medical Center Referral Guidelines Diagnosis/Definition Ganglion cysts arise from joint capsules or tendon sheaths. They are the most common benign soft tissue tumor of the hand and wrist. They are filled with inspissated fluid.

Mucous cysts (see Image 1) are ganglions of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) of the hand or of the toes. They have had several names, including mucoid cysts, synovial cysts, myxoid cysts, and myxomatous cutaneous cysts.
Synonyms and related keywords: mucoid cyst, synovial cyst, myxoid cyst, myxomatous cutaneous cyst
Singh & Osterman 2008