Ganglion cyst

This page may be useful if you have been diagnosed with a ganglion cyst. If you have new or ongoing symptoms, you should see a doctor for advice.

A ganglion cyst is a lump filled with fluid, and its size can change from time to time. Most often the swelling appears in the hand, wrist or foot.

These cysts tend to be smooth and round. They are usually harmless, and it is safe to leave them alone.

With a ganglion cyst, the swelling can become noticeable, but often there are no other symptoms.

Sometimes the ganglion causes pain and limits movement in your joint. The pain usually comes from pressure on the ganglion. Some people are also bothered by how the cyst looks.

Most symptoms settle with time.

A ganglion cyst has a very distinct look, so it's easy to recognise. These cysts are normally harmless, and most of the time they don't need any treatment.

Talk to a doctor if the ganglion:

• continues to increase in size
• restricts function
• becomes hard
• becomes irregular in shape
• becomes painful

A ganglion cyst is usually simple for a doctor to diagnose. Scans are rarely needed, but they can help if the diagnosis is uncertain.

A ganglion cyst forms when fluid from a joint or tendon collects and makes a jelly-filled sac under the skin. Doctors don't know why this happens, but these cysts can be quite common.

A ganglion cyst can form in a few places:

• at the back of the wrist, and these often disappear without treatment
• at the front of the wrist
• at the base of the finger, where they tend to be firmer and pea-like in shape
• at the top of the foot

Most ganglion cysts go away on their own, without any treatment. So in the early stages, it's best to wait and see if that happens.

If the ganglion cyst is painful, the pain may come from pressure on the swelling. You could try changing the way you hold your hand during activities, to see if that helps. Try to use your hand or foot as normally as you can, because this stops the area getting stiff or weak.

Your doctor may suggest aspiration for a ganglion cyst, if it suits your case. In this procedure, the doctor uses a needle and syringe to draw the fluid out of the ganglion.

If a ganglion cyst is causing significant pain or affects how your hand or wrist works, your doctor may refer you for surgery. The operation can be done under either local or general anaesthetic.

Like any surgery, it carries some risks, and your doctor will talk these through with you.

Even after treatment, the ganglion may come back.

With a ganglion cyst, you may sometimes need to take some time off work so that you can recover. How long you stay off depends on your condition and on the kind of work you do.

You don't have to be free of symptoms before you think about going back. Carrying on with work, or returning as soon as you're able, will help your recovery.

Getting back to your normal daily activities bit by bit can also help you build up your strength and stamina.

If you follow this advice for your ganglion cyst, you should see things improve gradually over time.

Talk to a doctor if:

• your symptoms haven't improved within 6 weeks of following this advice
• your symptoms get worse

Find out about access to MSK services in your area.

Whatever health condition you're dealing with, it's important to look after your mental wellbeing too, because this can affect your recovery.

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