Ganglion cyst

Overview

A ganglion cyst grows out of a joint or tendon covering, like a balloon on a stalk. It's filled with thick fluid. The most common spot is the back of the wrist, but cysts also form on the palm side of the wrist, at the base of a finger, or at the end joint of a finger.

Cysts can appear quickly, disappear, and change size. Using the joint more can make the cyst bigger, and rest can help it shrink.

Symptoms

Many cysts cause no symptoms.

• Lump on wrist or hand that feels smooth, round, and rubbery
• Lump that changes size
• Hand, finger, or wrist pain, especially with use

Less common

• Weaker grip
• Less movement in the wrist or finger
• Numbness or tingling if the cyst presses on a nerve

How it usually goes

• Weeks: A lump appears, sometimes quickly.
• Months: It may grow, shrink, or go away. This can take up to 12 to 18 months.
• After draining: It may refill and come back.

Look up a symptom: Hand, finger, or wrist pain · Lump on wrist or hand · Numb or tingling fingers

When to get medical care

Causes

A ganglion forms when fluid from a joint or tendon covering leaks into a sac. The exact cause often isn't known. Stress on the wrist, such as in gymnastics, may play a part.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Repeated stress on the wrist, such as in gymnastics
• Arthritis in the finger joints for cysts near the fingertips

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional can usually tell from an exam.

Questions you may be asked

• When you first noticed the lump
• Whether it changes size
• Pain, numbness, or weakness
• Past injury or arthritis in the hand

The exam

They'll press on the lump and may shine a light through it. Light often shines through a fluid-filled cyst.

Tests

Tests may include:

• X-rays: Don't show the cyst, but can check for arthritis or bone problems.
• Ultrasound or MRI: To find a hidden cyst or rule out other lumps.

Treatment

Many ganglion cysts don't need treatment, especially if they don't hurt. Some go away on their own.

Self-care

• Watch and wait if the cyst doesn't bother you
• Rest the wrist and limit activities that make it bigger
• Wear a wrist brace or splint if your healthcare professional suggests one
• Don't hit, smash, or pop the cyst or drain it yourself; this can cause harm or infection

Medicines

Medicine isn't usually needed.

If the cyst hurts or limits movement, the fluid can be drained with a needle (aspiration). The cyst often comes back after draining. Surgery to remove it (excision) is an option if it keeps coming back or causes problems. Most people return to normal activities 2 to 6 weeks after surgery.

How it compares

Prevention

There's no sure way to prevent ganglion cysts.

• Rest your wrist if a cyst gets bigger with use

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist or a surgeon.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children: Ganglion cysts can happen in children and often go away on their own.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Ganglion cysts rarely, if ever, cause lasting problems. Cysts that cause symptoms and don't go away almost always respond to surgery.

Getting ready for your visit

Note how the lump has changed.

What to bring

• When the lump appeared
• Whether it changes size
• Activities that make it worse

Questions to ask

• Is this a ganglion cyst?
• Does it need treatment?
• Should it be drained or removed?
• How likely is it to come back?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Ganglion cyst