A 17-year-old girl is brought to the office to have a right wrist mass evaluated. She first noticed swelling on the top of her wrist about three months ago, but it didn't bother her until she was teased about it at school. She has no other worries. A nontender, rounded mass on the dorsal wrist that transilluminates with a penlight is discovered during examination. The following image depicts the mass: Which of the following is the most likely underlying etiology?

Question

A 17-year-old girl is brought to the office to have a right wrist mass evaluated. She first noticed swelling on the top of her wrist about three months ago, but it didn't bother her until she was teased about it at school. She has no other worries. A nontender, rounded mass on the dorsal wrist that transilluminates with a penlight is discovered during examination. The following image depicts the mass:  Which of the following is the most likely underlying etiology?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled masses that develop as a result of mucoid degeneration of periarticular tissue. They appear as painless, smooth, rubbery, round structures that overlie joints or tendons and can be seen with a penlight. Most cases resolve on their own, with no intervention.

A 17-Year-Old Girl Is Brought to the Office to Have