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Ganglion Cyst

(Cyst, Ganglion; Ganglion)

by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD

Definition

A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac. It is usually attached to the membrane that surrounds a tendon (tendon sheath) or a joint lining. Ganglion cysts usually appear on the back of the wrist. They may also be on the underside of the wrist, the hand, the fingers, or the feet. Ganglion cysts are not cancerous.

Ganglion Cyst

Causes

The cause of ganglion cysts is not known.

Risk Factors

Participating in sports that put a lot of repeated stress on wrists increases your chance of developing a ganglion cyst.

Symptoms

Symptoms can include:

A soft bump, usually on the back of the wrist
Pain or tenderness at the site of the bump, but they do not always result in pain

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Most ganglion cysts are easily diagnosed based on the location and appearance.

If the diagnosis is not clear, your doctor may perform imaging studies or perform a biopsy to help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Some ganglion cysts go away without treatment. If the cyst is very tender or unsightly, you may want treatment. Even with treatment, ganglion cysts often return.

Note: Do not attempt to smash the cyst with a heavy object (a traditional home remedy). This is unlikely to get rid of the cyst. It is likely to injure you.

Treatments include:

Because many ganglion cysts disappear on their own, watching it to make sure it is improving may be all that is needed.

You may need to wear a splint on your wrist. Ganglion cysts usually get smaller with less activity and larger with more activity.

A needle is put into the cyst to drain the fluid.

A steroid solution is injected into the cyst. This is usually done after the cyst is drained.

The cyst can be surgically removed. This is done when they are large and unsightly or painful. Cysts may return even after surgery.

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing ganglion cysts.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org

American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine

http://www.sportsmed.org/

Canadian Orthopaedic Association

http://www.coa-aco.org/

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation

http://www.canorth.org/

Ganglia (ganglion cysts). The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone_joint_and_muscle_disorders/hand_disorders/ganglia.html. Updated March 2008. Accessed December 12, 2012.

Ganglion. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated July 13, 2011. Accessed December 12, 2012.

Ganglion (cyst) of the wrist). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00006. Updated October 2007. Accessed December 12, 2012.

Last reviewed November 2012 by Brian Randall, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.