Ganglion cysts and other tumor related conditions of the hand and wrist

Hand Clin. 2004 Aug;20(3):249-60, v. doi: 10.1016/j.hcl.2004.03.015.

Abstract

Most regard ganglion, giant cell tumor of tendon sheath and epidermal inclusion cysts as tumor-like conditions as opposed to true neoplasms. Ganglion cysts are the most common lesion of the hand and wrist, accounting for 50% to 70% of all masses identified. The majority of ganglion cysts can be treated nonoperatively but when surgery is performed a low recurrence rate can be anticipated. Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath hand epidermoid cysts are also common hand lesions that require surgical excision in most instances. Of the three, giant cell tumor of tendon sheath have the most notable recurrence rates. This article reviews the clinical presentations of these lesions as well as their proposed pathophysiology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arthroscopy
  • Epidermal Cyst / diagnosis*
  • Ganglion Cysts / complications
  • Ganglion Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Ganglion Cysts / diagnostic imaging
  • Ganglion Cysts / surgery
  • Giant Cell Tumors / diagnosis*
  • Giant Cell Tumors / diagnostic imaging
  • Giant Cell Tumors / surgery
  • Hand
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Radiography
  • Splints
  • Tendons*
  • Ulnar Nerve Compression Syndromes / etiology
  • Wrist