A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that is usually attached to either a 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 always noncancerous.
Risk Factors
These factors increase your chance of developing a ganglion cyst. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
- Sex: female
- Age: 20-50 years old
- Participating in gymnastics
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Appearance of a soft bump, usually on the back of the wrist
- Pain or tenderness at the site of the bump
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Most ganglion cysts are easily diagnosed based on the location and appearance. The doctor may use a small needle to remove some of the cyst's fluid for testing.
Other tests may include:
- X-ray
—a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones
- MRI scan
—a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the affected area
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.
Treatments include:
Home Treatment
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 and more likely to injure you.
Immobilization
You may need to wear a splint on your wrist. Ganglion cysts usually get smaller with less activity and larger with more activity.
Aspiration
A needle is put into the cyst to drain the fluid.
Corticosteroid Injection
A steroid solution is injected into the cyst, which is usually done after the cyst is drained.
Surgery
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 this condition.
Canale ST, Campbell WC.
Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 9th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 1998.
Ganglion. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated April 2008. Accessed June 23, 2008.
Goroll AH, Mulley AG.
Primary Care Medicine. 4th ed. Philladelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins; 2000.
Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 17th ed. Rahway, NJ: Merck; 1999.
Last reviewedSeptember 2011by
Lawrence Frisch, MD, MPH
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.
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