How can a ganglion be distinguished from a tumor?

Any form of tissue growth or swelling is defined as a tumor. A distinction is made between benign and malignant tumors, which are colloquially called cancer. A ganglion is by definition a benign tissue tumor that lies under the skin and is usually easy to feel and move.Malignant tumors are very rare, such as the giant cell tumor, which can also occur in the finger joint area. With the help of an ultrasound examination, the doctor can determine whether a tumor shows signs of a benign or malignant change and, if necessary, initiate further examinations. Ganglia are very common findings and can usually be diagnosed quickly and distinguished from a malignant tumor.

Localization

The foot is a possible localization for the appearance of a ganglion. Typically, the ganglions occur in the area of the back of the foot. They are usually located at joints (arthrogenous).

These are mechanically stressed areas. A ganglion on the back of the foot can be asymptomatic or press on tendons and impair them. Tendon sheath inflammation can be a consequence of long-term pressure of a ganglion on a tendon.

In addition, a ganglion on the foot can exert pressure on a nerve and cause paresthesia such as tingling or numbness. A knee ganglion represents a benign tumor. It is also colloquially known as an extra leg.

However, this term is somewhat misleading, since a ganglion is not a bony structure, but rather a tumor in the area of the joint capsule. A ganglion always also represents a connection to the joint. In principle, there can also be a fluid exchange between the joint, e.g. in the case of joint inflammation and ganglion.

If fluid is swilled in, the ganglion would swell. A ganglion can also develop inside the knee, namely at the menisci. Ganglions can cause more or less discomfort depending on their size and location.

Bouncing ganglia, for example, can cause pain in the knee as well as lead to mechanical impairments in the movement of the knee. The treatment of a ganglion is usually conservative. Only when it increases in size to such an extent that either severe pain is caused or mechanical impairment occurs, does a surgical procedure need to be considered.

Ganglions on the finger are relatively common. The main reason is that the fingers are a mechanically very stressed area. Here, the tendons in the vagina go up and down with every finger movement.

Frictional effects occur, which can then lead to the formation of small tumors known as ganglia. In the area of the fingers that are subject to high mechanical stress, painful ganglia are also very common. In addition to the pain in the finger joint, however, mechanical movement impairments of the finger can also occur.

Small ganglia are usually treated conservatively, i.e. with anti-inflammatory or cooling measures. If these treatment methods are not sufficient, it must be considered whether the ganglia should not be surgically removed. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia.

After the procedure, after a short resting phase, the patient will immediately begin with the restorative physiotherapy. This is important because prolonged immobilization of the finger can lead to irreversible stiffening of the joint. Ganglion formation can also occur in the wrist area.

With every hand movement, numerous muscles and tendons are guided through narrow tendon sheaths, which can lead to strong mechanical stress. There is always a very high risk of ganglion formation in these areas. Ganglions in the area of the wrist can be found either on the back of the hand or palm-side, in the area of the wrist.

Sometimes a ganglion does not need to be treated but only observed waiting. If it increases in size and pain (pain in the wrist) occurs, especially when performing movements, surgical rehabilitation should be considered. Sometimes a ganglion can become so large and be so unfavorably located that it exerts strong pressure on the nerves running there.

In this case, patients complain of numbness, mostly of the little fingers and ring fingers. Conservatively, a ganglion can only be treated to a limited extent. Thus, cooling and anti-inflammatory measures are used which can alleviate the symptoms caused by a ganglion.