What is a ganglion cyst?

A ganglion cyst is a lump that typically forms along the joints or tendons of your wrists or hands. The fluid-filled cysts can quickly appear, disappear or change size. They are not cancerous and, usually, harmless.

These cysts often go away on their own without treatment. However, treatment options are available to fix aesthetic appearance or if the cyst is interfering with your daily function.

Ganglion cysts often appear at specific spots near joints. Most often, the condition develops on the:

Wrist: Top and underside of wrist
Finger: End joint of a finger or base of a finger
Foot: Close to your ankle or near your toes

What causes it?

The exact cause of ganglion cysts is unknown. However, they are thought to develop when fluid leaks out of a joint or tendon sheath and collects in a sac. This fluid then thickens and forms the cyst. Some experts believe that repetitive movements or injuries to the area may contribute to their formation.

What are the risk factors?

While the exact cause is unknown, ganglion cysts are more common in:

Younger adults (age 15–40)
Women
People who’ve had a hand injury
People who do repetitive work with their wrists or hands
People who have arthritis

What are the symptoms?

Ganglion cysts are soft bumps or masses that change size, but don’t move. They are often painless. Some symptoms you may notice are:

A bump that appears or disappears
A single bump or multiple smaller bumps
Generally painless, but you may experience some pain when you move the affected joint
Weakness or numbness in the affected finger or other area

How is a ganglion cyst diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose ganglion by performing a physical exam of your cyst. The appearance and location are key factors toward making a successful diagnosis. Your provider may also recommend an X-ray to look for arthritis near the cyst. In some instances, your doctor may do a biopsy of the fluid in the cyst to further diagnosis your issue.

What are the treatment options?

In most cases, ganglion cysts are harmless and will go away on their own. However, the location of the cyst may interfere with your daily use of your hand, or you may dislike the appearance of the cyst. In these cases, one of our hand specialists and orthopedic surgeons can review the following treatment options:

Anti-inflammatory medication – this may minimize swelling and ease your discomfort.
Wearing a splint or brace – limiting movement of the affected area may reduce the size of the cyst.
Aspiration / drainage – a procedure where your doctor uses a needle to remove fluid from the cyst. This can be done in their office. This may relieve your symptoms, but the results are often temporary.

Ganglion cyst removal

If the cyst is painful, affects movement, or continually returns, your doctor may offer surgical removal, called ganglionectomy.

The procedure is done under local anesthesia. One of the expertly trained hand surgeons at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, will remove the entire cyst, meaning both the cyst and its stalk-like root below the skin. For this outpatient procedure, you’ll go home the same day, and full recovery takes about two to six weeks.

Why choose Ohio State for orthopedic care?

By seeking an orthopedic hand expert at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, you’ll work closely with a doctor who can effectively diagnose the cyst and provide the total menu of treatment options – including surgical removal, if desired.