Recently I had a patient come into my office complaining of a painful mass on his right foot. After further work-up it was discovered to be a ganglion cyst. The patient asked me can he just smash it with a bible or a book. He explained to me that he heard that this was the way cyst were treated in the past.
I must admit, the question caught me off guard. I then explained to the patient that I don’t suggest smashing with a bible or anything else for that matter. I discussed with him the different treatment options and after educating the patient on ganglion cyst, we decided on a proper treatment plan.
A ganglion cyst or “bible cyst” is a benign mass that is found coming from a joint or coming off of a tendon. It is most commonly found on the wrist. Inside of a cyst is a thick, clear, jelly-like substance. The term “bible cyst” comes from a common urban legend that treatment in the past consisted of hitting the cyst with a bible or another large book. I guess you learn something new everyday.
