Ganglion cysts are soft, gel-like masses that often change size.
They tend to be smooth and round, and are:
If you have a ganglion, try to stay positive. There’s a lot you can do to help yourself.
A ganglion cyst starts when the fluid leaks out of a joint or tendon tunnel and forms a swelling beneath the skin.
The cause of the leak is generally unknown, but may be due to trauma or underlying arthritis.
Ganglion cysts are 3 times more common in women than men between 20 and 40 years of age.
Ganglions can form:
Approximately 80% of ganglions are found in the wrist.
If you have a ganglion cyst the swelling can become noticeable, but often there are no symptoms at all.
Sometimes a ganglion can cause pain and limit movement in your joint. Some people are also concerned about the cysts appearance.
Most symptoms settle with time.
To diagnose a ganglion cyst, a healthcare professional will ask you about it and examine your wrist and hand.
Giving a diagnosis is usually straightforward. However, scans may be helpful if the diagnosis is uncertain.
About 50% of ganglions disappear on their own without treatment. In the early stages you should wait to see if this happens.
You won’t need treatment unless the cyst is painful.
Many people take medication to cope with their pain and symptoms, and help them remain active.
You may be prescribed pain medication to ease the pain. Make sure you take any medication as prescribed, and get advice from a GP, pharmacist or suitably trained healthcare professional.
If the ganglion hasn’t reduced in size after 6 months or is causing significant functional difficulty and/or pain, you may be referred for further help and possible surgery.
Surgery is considered if it causes significant pain or restricts movement in your joint. However, there’s a chance it will come back even after surgery.
Draining this ganglion can reduce the swelling but it often returns.
Problems after surgery include:
There’s a 10% chance of it coming back again after surgery.
Draining this ganglion may be useful, but it can be dangerous as the cyst is often close to the artery at the wrist (where you can feel the pulse).
Problems after surgery include:
For these reasons, many surgeons advise against operating on these cysts.
There’s a 30 to 40% chance of it coming back again after surgery.
These ganglions feel like a dried pea at the base of the finger, and can cause pain when gripping.
Problems after surgery include:
There’s a small chance of it coming back again after surgery.
These ganglions are associated with wearing out of the end joint of a finger. Pressure from the cyst may cause a furrow in the fingernail. Occasionally the cyst fluid leaks through the thin overlying skin.
Problems after surgery include:
There’s a 10% chance of it coming back again after surgery.
If you have a ganglion cyst try to stay at or get back to work as soon as possible. You don’t need to be fully pain and symptom free to return to work.
Research shows the longer you’re off work the less likely you are to return.
Last updated:
24 February 2023