A cyst is an abnormal pocket of fluid that is like a blister. It can form in many different locations in the body, including skin, genitals, and internal organs. Most cysts are non-cancerous. Moreover, cysts can vary in size and how quickly they grow. Baker’s cyst and ganglion cyst are two different types of cysts.
The key difference between Baker’s cyst and ganglion cyst is their location. Baker’s cyst forms predominantly in the popliteal fossa of the knee region, while ganglion cyst forms more commonly in the joint and tendon of the wrist or hand and rarely in the knee region.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Baker’s Cyst
3. What is Ganglion Cyst
4. Similarities – Baker’s Cyst and Ganglion Cyst
5. Baker’s Cyst vs Ganglion Cyst in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Baker’s Cyst vs Ganglion Cyst
7. FAQ – Baker’s Cyst and Ganglion Cyst
What is Baker’s Cyst?
Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled bump that forms on the back of the knee. It is a benign growth. The symptoms of this condition are a bump that forms behind the knee, knee pain, stiffness, trouble bending the knee as far as usual, and swelling in the knee or on the leg around it. Baker’s cyst is commonly caused by knee arthritis and injuries.
Figure 01: X-ray of Baker’s Cyst
Baker’s cyst can be diagnosed through physical examination, X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI. Furthermore, treatment options for Baker’s cyst may include resting, applying ice, compression, elevation, taking NSAID medications, physical therapy, and knee surgery.
What is Ganglion Cyst?
A ganglion cyst is a bump or lump that most often forms along the tendons or joints of wrists or hands. It is often oval or round in shape and is filled with a jelly-like fluid. The signs and symptoms of this condition include a bump or lump developing along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands, a cyst that is oval or round in shape and enlarges with joint movement, and the cyst pressing on nerves or other structures, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. Ganglion cysts can be caused by osteoarthritis or joint or tendon injuries.
Figure 02: Ganglion Cyst
Ganglion cysts can be diagnosed through physical examination, X-ray, and MRI. Furthermore, treatment options for ganglion cysts may include keeping the joint from moving, draining the cyst, and surgery.
Similarities Between Baker’s Cyst and Ganglion Cyst
- Baker’s cyst and ganglion cyst are two different types of cysts that can be observed in the knee region.
- Both are fluid-filled cysts.
- Both can result from injuries.
- They can be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging tests.
- They can be treated through draining and respective surgeries.
Difference Between Baker’s Cyst and Ganglion Cyst
Definition
- Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled bump that forms on the back of the knee.
- Ganglion cyst is a bump or lump that most often forms along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands.
Causes
- Baker’s cyst is commonly caused by knee arthritis and injuries.
- Ganglion cysts can be caused by osteoarthritis or joint or tendon injury.
Signs and Symptoms
- Signs and symptoms of Baker’s cyst include a bump forming behind the knee, knee pain, stiffness, difficulty bending the knee as far as usual, and swelling in the knee or on the leg around it.
- Signs and symptoms of a ganglion cyst include a bump or lump developing along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands, a cyst that is oval or round in shape and increases in size with joint movement, and the cyst pressing on a nerve or other structures, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis of Baker’s cyst involves physical examination, X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI.
- Diagnosis of a ganglion cyst involves physical examination, X-ray, and MRI.
Treatment
- Treatment for Baker’s cyst includes resting, applying ice, compression, elevation, taking NSAID medications, physical therapy, and knee surgery.
- Treatment for a ganglion cyst includes immobilizing the joint, draining the cyst, and surgery.
The infographic below presents the differences between Baker’s cyst and ganglion cyst in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Baker’s Cyst vs Ganglion Cyst
A cyst is a sac that forms in the skin or body, typically filled with fluid or semisolid material. Developing cysts is common, and they can occur in any part of the body. Two different types of cysts observed in the knee region are Baker’s cyst and ganglion cyst. Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled sac that predominantly develops in the popliteal fossa of the knee region, whereas a ganglion cyst is more commonly found in the joints and tendons of the wrist or hand, rarely occurring in the knee region. Thus, this summarizes the difference between Baker’s cyst and ganglion cyst.
FAQ: Baker’s Cyst and Ganglion Cyst
1. What is the main cause of Baker’s cyst?
- Some common causes of Baker’s cyst include trauma or injury to the knee, leading to a buildup of excess fluid. Additionally, arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, can contribute to the development of Baker’s cyst.
2. What is the best treatment for Baker’s cyst?
- The recommended treatment for Baker’s cyst typically involves rest and elevation. Prescription painkillers, often a combination of paracetamol and codeine, may also be used to manage pain.
3. What is the main cause of a ganglion cyst?
- A ganglion cyst forms when fluid leaks out of a joint or tendon, creating a swelling beneath the skin. It can be caused by trauma or underlying arthritis.
4. Which vitamin deficiency causes ganglion cysts?
- Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of injury to the joints and tendons, thereby increasing the risk of developing ganglion cysts. Maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D in the bloodstream can decrease the chances of developing a ganglion cyst.
5. Do ganglion cysts usually go away?
- Most ganglion cysts resolve on their own without treatment. However, some may persist, and treatment options include immobilizing the joint, draining the cyst, or surgical intervention.
Reference:
1. “What’s That Lump on the Back of My Knee?” Cleveland Clinic.
2. “Ganglion Cyst: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.” WebMD.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Synovialchondromatose in Baker-Zyste 62M – CR seitlich – 001” By Hellerhoff – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Ganglion Cyst” By Glenn Malone (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED) via Flickr