PLEASE HELP- Is this common ganglion cyst behavior?

[oddfunk]

I've had a painless lump on the dorsal side of my right hand on the ULNAR side since 11/29/10.  All the pics I've seen of ganglions seem to indicate they are usually found near the radius. The lump is not rock hard (but doesn't feel soft either) and is slightly movable and it literally popped up overnight.  It is about 1" long x 1/2" wide and hasn't really changed in size or color since its discovery.  I got it checked at a free health clinic b/c I have no insurance and the doc said she thought it was probably a ganglion, BUT also said it was in a strange place for one.  She wanted to refer me to an orthopedist, but I did not go b/c I have no money for MRI testing or whatnot.

I would like another medical professional's opinion on this strange growth.  I had no other symptoms that accompanied this formation.  Last month I had painful abdominal cramps preceding and following my cycle, but I attribute that to "normal" hormonal changes since I'm a 39 y/o female.  Those were a bit strange though as I never got cramps before.

[ICanHelpYouToo]

likely ganglion but could also be giant cell tumor.

[Dr J Singh]

Hello,
A ganglion cyst is a swelling that often appears on or around joints and tendons in the hand or foot. It is not compulsory that it is found on the radial side, it can be found on any side of the hand or foot where tendons are present.

You have to get it removed if it has symptoms of pain and irritation or for cosmetic reasons.
I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[oddfunk]

Thank you so much for your answer.  I appreciate your input VERY much. :)

[yellowbean]

A ganglion cyst can occur anywhere that there is a synovial joint (joint with fluid); some sites are just more common than others.  Basically, a ganglion cyst is just a leakage of fluid out of the joint into the surounding tissues, with a thin cyst wall.

Ganglions can vary in size over time, and can increase or decrease in size.  They can even go away on their own sometimes.  Sometimes they cause pain, sometimes there is no pain.

Of course not all lumps even near joints are ganglions, but common things being common, a ganglion would be high on the list.  Other common things that form "lumps" are lipomas (benign fatty collection), epidermoid inclusion cysts, and sebacious cysts.  However with a history of "appeared suddenly" and then stable, ganglion sounds most likely.

As far as imaging, MRI could offer a more concrete diagnosis, but ultrasound is much cheaper and can tell if it is a cyst vs fatty or soft tissue.  If it is a cyst, then you are pretty much done.