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Shoulder cyst
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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A shoulder joint cyst is a slow-moving, round-shaped formation that can reach sizes from a few millimeters to five centimeters. The cavity of such a formation is filled with liquid contents, the cyst itself has a compacted structure and clearly defined boundaries, and is not fused with the skin. The course of the disease during the development of a cyst is benign.
[ Causes of Shoulder Joint Cyst
The causes of a shoulder joint cyst may be related to the development of bursitis or tendovaginitis, as well as pathologies such as arthritis, arthrosis, osteoarthrosis. The causes of a shoulder joint cyst include trauma and frequent physical activity.
Symptoms of Shoulder Cyst
Symptoms of a shoulder joint cyst may be absent at the stage of its formation. Subsequently, as the neoplasm grows, such signs as swelling in the joint area, the occurrence of pain when moving the shoulder, and numbness of tissues may be noted. When palpating the affected area, a rounded seal with clear edges is felt.
Treatment of shoulder joint cyst
Treatment of a shoulder joint cyst is prescribed based on the size of the neoplasm, the progression of the cyst, and the general condition of the shoulder joint. If the cyst rapidly increases in size, it is usually removed surgically. Conservative treatment of a shoulder joint cyst involves puncturing the neoplasm with a puncture needle and clearing its cavity of the fluid contained therein. Next, the affected area is treated with antibacterial agents, after which a tight bandage is applied. After puncturing the cyst, the patient may be prescribed physiotherapy procedures. It should be noted that with this approach to treatment, cases of cyst recurrence are not uncommon.
The optimal method of treating a shoulder joint cyst is arthroscopic removal. The joint is not completely opened, which reduces the risk of injury to connective tissues.