Ganglion cysts and other tumor related conditions of the hand and wrist

Most regard ganglion, giant cell tumor of tendon sheath and epidermal inclusion cysts as tumor-like conditions as opposed to true neoplasms. Ganglion cysts are the most common lesion of the hand and wrist, accounting for 50% to 70% of all masses identified. The majority of ganglion cysts can be treated nonoperatively but when surgery is performed a low recurrence rate can be anticipated. Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath and epidermoid cysts are also common hand lesions that require surgical excision in most instances. Of the three, giant cell tumor of tendon sheath have the most notible recurrence rates. This article reviews the clinical presentations of these lesions as well as their proposed pathophysiology.