Ganglion Cyst Treatment in Berkeley, CA

Understanding and Treating Bumps on the Hand and Wrist

Soft tissue tumors, such as ganglion cysts, are common growths that can develop in the hand and wrist. A ganglion cyst is a benign collection of normal joint or tendon fluid that has escaped to an abnormal location. These cysts often appear as bumps and may cause discomfort, limited range of motion, or cosmetic concerns.

While ganglion cysts are non-cancerous and do not typically pose a serious health risk, it’s essential to ensure the bump is accurately diagnosed before treatment. Not all growths are ganglion cysts, and identifying the nature of the tumor is crucial to selecting the best course of action.

Diagnosis

Dr. Rebecca S. Yu uses a thorough approach to diagnose soft tissue tumors:

  • Physical Examination: Assessing the size, location, and characteristics of the growth.
  • In-Office Ultrasound: Providing real-time imaging to confirm whether the bump is a cyst or another type of growth.

Symptoms may include:

A visible bump, often near the wrist or hand joints.

Pain or tenderness, particularly with movement.

Limited range of motion in the affected joint.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the bump’s size, location, and impact on function. If the bump is identified as a cyst, treatment can be surgical or non surgical.


Options include:

Non-Surgical Treatments

Observation: If the cyst is painless and doesn’t interfere with function, monitoring may be sufficient.

Needle Aspiration: Removing the fluid from the cyst with a needle, often providing temporary relief.

Surgical Treatments

For persistent or bothersome cysts, surgical removal may be recommended. This involves:

Excising the cyst and its stalk to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Sending the tissue for pathology evaluation, if needed, to confirm the diagnosis.

Learn More About Soft Tissue Masses here


Why Choose Dr. Yu?

Dr. Yu’s expertise in diagnosing soft tissue masses of the hand and wrist ensures a precise diagnosis and effective treatment plan. Whether you prefer a non-surgical approach or require surgical removal, Dr. Yu will guide you through your options, helping you make an informed decision.

Ready to Begin Your Journey to Recovery?

Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Life

Dr. Yu and her team are here to guide you every step of the way. Start your journey toward better function and less pain today.

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