Hygroma (Greek ὑγρός "liquid" + -ōma "tumor"); synonyms: synovial cyst, ganglion — a tumor-like formation that is an accumulation of serous fluid mixed with mucus or fibrin in the tendon sheath or serous bursa.
Sometimes it consists of several parts. Hygromas are more common in women aged 20-30 years. Usually, patients do not feel pain when the hygroma is small, which makes it difficult to detect and treat it in the early stages.
Causes of formation
- physical stress on the joints;
- untreated injuries;
- hereditary predisposition.
As a rule, hygromas can develop in areas of the body that are constantly exposed to regular trauma or prolonged pressure, which occurs in people of certain professions or as a result of wearing poorly fitted shoes, prostheses, etc. In this regard, hygromas are observed mainly in the synovial bags located superficially, and, therefore, more susceptible to mechanical stress, for example, on the dorsal surface of the wrist and on the dorsum of the foot.
Symptoms
In most cases, a hygroma is characterized only by the presence of a tumor of varying size near the joint. Patients complain of discomfort; less often - pain when pressing.
Certain types of hygromas
- Hygromas in the wrist area
- On the dorsum of the fingers
- On the palmar side of the fingers
- In the distal (remote from the center) part of the palm
- On the lower limb
Diagnosis of hygroma
Usually, the diagnosis is made based on the anamnesis and characteristic clinical manifestations. Ultrasound examination allows not only to see the cyst, but also to evaluate its structure.
To exclude bone and joint pathology, radiography may be prescribed. In doubtful cases, magnetic resonance imaging or hygroma puncture is performed.
Treatment of hygroma
It can be surgical with removal of the hygroma under local anesthesia or aspiration followed by the introduction of a hormonal drug. Relapse both after surgical treatment and after aspiration with the introduction of a hormonal drug may occur.