Hygroma refers to a small-sized cyst that forms in the tissues of the body. She is considered an occupational disease. The reasons for the formation of hygromas are not fully understood. However, experts speculate about the hereditary nature and connection with repeated trauma. Conservative therapy in this case is not very effective; surgical intervention is required.
General information
Hygroma is a cystic formation of a benign nature, consisting of a dense connective tissue wall and viscous contents. The latter externally resembles transparent jelly, and by nature - a serous fluid with impurities of mucus. Hygromas are connected directly to the joints and are localized next to them.
Pathology does not differ in age restrictions, therefore, it can be diagnosed in both an adult and a child. It occurs quite often and focuses mainly in the area of โโthe wrist, knee, hands. The nape is considered the most dangerous place of localization, in which case the probability of a fatal outcome increases.
A cystic neoplasm develops as a result of the transformation of the synovial membrane of the joint and represents a small round cone, ranging in size from several millimeters to seven centimeters.
Hygroma is a pathology that belongs to the group of joint diseases. Cystic formation may periodically disappear. In such cases, a misleading impression may appear that it has resolved on its own, but after a while the problem reappears. That is why you should not ignore the hygroma. In each case, qualified assistance from specialists is required.
Hygroma: causes of education
The root cause of the development of pathology is the transformation of the connective tissue sites. As a result, two types of cells appear: spindle-shaped (form a capsule) and spherical (filled with fluid, which subsequently penetrates into the intercellular space).
The exact causes of this problem are unknown. Doctors distinguish a number of factors contributing to its development:
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Frequent injury to the joints.
- Decreased / increased intrauterine activity.
- Sprain.
- Constant load on the joint (most often pathology is diagnosed in those people whose professional activity is directly related to working at the computer, on musical instruments).
In the fair sex, such cystic neoplasms are found three times more often than in men. The vast majority of cases of their occurrence occur at a young age. Hygroma in children and the elderly is very rarely diagnosed.
Clinical picture
Initially, a small tumor begins to develop in the joint area, clearly distinguishable under the skin. Usually there are single hygroma. In some cases, the simultaneous formation of several pathologies at once is possible.
There are both very elastic and solid formations of a benign nature. In all cases, they have clear boundaries, and the base is inextricably linked to adjacent tissues. The skin moves freely. What a hygroma looks like (photo), you can see it in specialized medical guides.
With pressure on the affected area, pain discomfort occurs. The skin over the hygroma can remain unchanged or acquire a crimson hue, peel off. After exercise, the pathology increases in size, and then at rest again decreases. In approximately 35% of cases, it is asymptomatic.
If the above symptoms appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor. At the reception, the doctor will tell you what a hygroma is, determine the cause of its occurrence and prescribe appropriate therapy.
What is the difference between pathology in children?
The clinical picture in young patients directly depends on the localization of education and its size. Hygroma of small diameter can develop over several years and not cause discomfort. In the case of an exacerbation of the pathology, hyperemia may appear in its place. The formation itself outwardly resembles a tumor that is stationary. When probing, it does not cause pain, the temperature does not exceed the norm.
Hygroma can differ in a chronic course, when an exacerbation is replaced by periods of remission. Experts identify several symptoms, upon the appearance of which parents should immediately consult a doctor:
- The presence on the skin of the formations of a round shape up to 5 cm in diameter. Most often this is a hygroma. Photos of patients with such a pathology are presented in this article.
- When the joint moves, painful discomfort of varying intensity appears.
- The skin around the tumor acquires a purple hue, a slight swelling appears.
Hygroma is a serious pathology that requires competent and timely treatment. Do not click on the formation or wait until it dissolves on its own.
What are hygromas?
Specialists distinguish two types of hygromas: single-chamber and multi-chamber.
At the place of localization, the following types of formations are distinguished:
- Hygroma of the wrist. It is accompanied by severe pain, interferes with the normal functioning of the joints, requires immediate removal.
- Hygroma of the wrist joint. It is clearly visible from under the skin, sometimes localized under the ligaments. Neoplasm in this area is usually not accompanied by a vivid clinical picture.
- Pathology of the joint. The main cause of this problem is thinning or damage to the joints. The pathology is elastic to the touch. When it is detected, it is recommended to provide the arm with complete rest, otherwise the tumor will increase in size.
- Hygroma on the fingers. It gives a person a lot of inconvenience, causes severe pain with pressure. Over time, the pathology can increase in size.
- Hygroma of the foot. It is localized in the ankle or on the outside of the phalangeal bones. Accompanied by pain discomfort during movement. Education can easily be injured with tight shoes, so it is recommended to immediately remove it surgically.
- Hygroma of the knee joint. The tumor develops due to the accumulation of fluid directly in the cavity of the synovial bag. The risk group includes athletes, as well as people who spend a lot of time on their feet (couriers, postmen, sellers).
- Education under the knee.
- Tendon pathology. The tumor occurs against the background of bursitis.
- Hygroma of the brain.
- Education on the neck. It is diagnosed mainly in newborns. The tumor consists of several cysts.
Diagnostic measures
Treatment of hygroma with folk remedies is highly effective. You can resort to his help only after consulting with your doctor and final diagnosis. Moreover, doctors recommend using alternative medicine only as an addition to the main course of treatment.
Usually, the pathology is confirmed on the basis of an anamnesis and a characteristic clinical picture. To exclude bone and joint diseases, the doctor may prescribe a radiography. In doubtful cases, the patient is sent for an ultrasound scan, an MRI scan and a hygroma puncture is performed (fluid sample taken from the formation).
Ultrasound examination allows not only to examine the cyst itself, but also to evaluate its structure, to determine the presence of blood vessels in the walls.
If a nodule is suspected, the patient can be sent for MRI. This study allows you to accurately determine the structure of the tumor and its contents. The disadvantage of this technique is the relatively high cost.
Differential diagnosis is carried out with other neoplasms of a benign nature (lipomas, atheromas, etc.), taking into account the localization, consistency of the tumor and patient complaints.
Conservative therapy
Treatment of a pathology directly depends on its location. You should not neglect your own health, because in addition to aesthetic discomfort, education can significantly worsen the quality of life. For example, if a tumor is localized in the area of โโthe foot, it is quite difficult for a person to move around fully. Hygroma of the knee joint usually does not cause special problems, but at the same time, it can constantly increase in size.
Conservative treatment is recommended only at the initial stage of the development of pathology and includes the following measures:
- X-ray therapy.
- Physiotherapy.
- Puncture (suction with a special syringe of the contents of the formation with the simultaneous introduction of drugs that promote rapid healing).
- Blockade by glucocorticoids (the procedure is similar to puncture, but other drugs are used in this case).
- Immobilization with an orthopedic dressing for seven days.
Conservative therapy can only be effective if rest is given to the affected joint. If the treatment of hygroma without surgery did not help, the specialist decides on surgery.
Surgical method
If the tumor rapidly grows in size, accompanied by severe pain, surgery is recommended to the patient. Currently, there are several options for removing existing education:
- Bursectomy - excision of the so-called synovial bag. The operation is performed using a local version of anesthesia. For a couple of weeks, the limb is firmly fixed with a plaster cast for complete immobilization. The likelihood of relapse after such treatment is almost zero. The main thing with a bursectomy is the excision of the entire synovial bag. Otherwise, the likelihood that after some time the hygroma will grow again increases. The operation requires a highly qualified specialist, since if you move incorrectly, you can injure blood vessels and nerves, disrupt the motor functionality of the limb.
- Laser Therapy The tumor is gradually heated with a laser beam until it finally disappears. This procedure has many advantages, including: low morbidity, the absence of postoperative scars, rapid wound healing.
Treatment of hygroma folk remedies
Therapy of cystic education with the help of recipes of our grandmothers is quite popular, and in some cases even effective.
- Mix bee honey, rye flour and fleshy part of aloe in equal proportions to obtain a mushy consistency. Such a cake should be applied to the affected area for the whole night, covering it with cling film.
- Dissolve 2-3 tablespoons of salt in one glass of water. Add red clay to the resulting mixture in such a volume that a creamy mass is obtained. The tumor should be lubricated with a thick layer of mass and wrapped with a bandage every time. Such a compress must be worn throughout the day, periodically moisturizing with water.
- From 200 g of chopped celandine, squeeze the juice, pat them with gauze and apply to the affected area. After you need to cover it with cling film and leave it overnight. This procedure is recommended to be repeated every three days.
Possible complications
Hygroma is a pathology that very rarely leads to complications, but the likelihood of their occurrence increases with the following conditions:
- Purulent tenosynovitis.
- Infection during surgery (use of non-sterile instruments, low qualification of a specialist).
- Re-formation of the tumor.
Complications are often observed due to the use of a common version of anesthesia. Therefore, the patient is carefully examined before surgery.
Preventative measures
If this pathology in a child differs in hereditary nature or is formed during the period of intrauterine development (for example, fetal hygroma), it is not possible to prevent it.
For adult patients, doctors provide several preventive recommendations that help prevent the appearance of cystic formation:
- Physical activity should be distributed symmetrically to the joints.
- With intensive sports, it is necessary to use elastic bandages for permanent fixation of joints.
- For injuries and mechanical damage, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Conclusion
What is a hygroma? This is a tumor characterized by a benign nature and localized in the joints. Outwardly, it resembles a ball of small diameter. You can not be afraid that the hygroma will degenerate into cancer, but you should not leave it unattended. In addition to aesthetic discomfort, pathology can make work or movement difficult. That is why the tumor should be treated conservatively or removed surgically. With timely therapy, one can hope for a favorable prognosis and restoration of labor activity.