Ganglion Cyst Treatment in Beverly Hills
What is a ganglion cyst?
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled mass that can occur in any area of the body including the foot and ankle. They usually form around joints or tendons.
Symptoms of a Ganglion Cyst
Raised mass or “ball” just under the skin
Can be soft or hard to the touch
Can be painful when irritated
Causes burning or numbness if pressing against a nerve
Can grow slowly or quickly
Usually a single mass, but can be multiple
Can come and go if accidentally “popped” and refills
Causes of a Ganglion Cyst
With repetitive trauma to the soft tissue of a joint (capsule) or the wrap around tendons (sheath), these structures can become damaged. The damage can lead to an irritation of the tissue and extra growth of the tissue. The area will fill with the natural fluid that is already within these structures. The extra tissue will then expand and “balloon” underneath the skin and become visible. If the cyst continues to become irritated, it can continue to enlarge and become more painful.
How is a ganglion cyst diagnosed?
Diagnosis is achieved by the clinical examination and ultrasound imaging of the patient in our Beverly Hills office. Dr. Soomekh will listen to the patient’s complaints, symptoms, and goals. The examination involves a hands-on analysis of the patient’s foot and the cyst. Diagnostic ultrasound of the cyst will be performed in the office to examine the source of the cyst its size and will be reviewed with the patient. Aspiration of the cyst fluid for analysis may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Ganglion Cyst Treatment
A ganglion cyst does not have to be treated if it is not painful and does not impede the use of shoes. Ganglion cysts are benign lesions that are not harmful to the body and do not become cancer.
When they are painful, unsightly, or make it difficult to use certain shoes, they can be treated with aspiration or surgical removal.
Aspiration of a Ganglion Cyst:
Aspiration of a cyst is the removal of the fluid through a syringe and needle. All the fluid from the cyst will be drained. The fluid is then sent to a lab for analysis to confirm the diagnosis.
In-office procedure
Local anesthesia
Painless
Ultrasound guidance used for precision
Needle is placed into the cyst
Fluid is drained using a syringe
High recurrence rate
Surgical Removal of a Ganglion Cyst:
Surgical removal of the cyst is the gold standard treatment for painful and recurring cysts that have failed aspiration attempts.
Performed in an operating room under light sedation
The entire cyst and its damaged tissue are removed
The “stalk” where the cyst originated from is closed to reduce recurrence
Immediate walking in a special shoe and activity begins in 2 weeks
Very low recurrence rate
Dr. Soomekh has perfected and reinvented these surgical procedures and techniques for the treatment of ganglion cysts and is recognized by his peers as one of the top ganglion cyst specialists in Beverly Hills and the Los Angeles area.
