What are ganglion cysts?
Ganglion cysts are the most common mass or lump, most commonly occurring on the back of the wrist. These fluid-filled cysts are non-cancerous and are mostly harmless as they can quickly appear, disappear, and change size. However, if the cyst does hurt, it can affect function in some cases.
What causes ganglion cysts?
Although there is no known trigger of ganglion cysts, there are some common occurrences:
- Most common in people aged 15-40.
- Women are more likely to be affected than men.
- Common among gymnasts or athletes with repeated stress to the wrist.
What are symptoms of ganglion cysts?
Most ganglion cysts produce no other symptoms other than a visible mass on the wrist, but some can cause pain, tingling, and muscle weakness if affecting nerves. Common features of ganglion cysts include:
- Location – often develop along the tendons or joint of wrists or hands and feet.
- Shape and size – ganglion cysts are round or oval. The size can change over time, often getting larger with joint movement.
- Pain – ganglion cysts are typically painless, however if it pushes on a nerve, it can cause pain, tingling, numbness or muscle weakness.
What are treatment options for ganglion cysts?
Ganglion cysts are painless and do not require any treatment. Your provider may recommend any of the following:
- Observation – if you have no other pain or symptoms, your foot and ankle surgeon may recommend waiting and watching to see if the cyst goes away on its own.
- Immobilization – a wrist or brace may relieve symptoms and encourage the cyst to go down on its own by decreasing the activity to the wrist.
- Fluid removal – If the cyst causes you pain or limits activities, the fluid may be drained from it.
If nonsurgical treatment options do not resolve the ganglion cysts, your provider may recommend surgery to remove the cysts. Surgery removes the source of your discomfort but does not eliminate the change of future cyst growth. If your provider decides surgery is the best course of treatment, it is important to follow their instructions leading up to surgery.
This surgery is typically done as an outpatient procedure and performed under local anesthesia. Before surgery, your surgeon will draw a line above the cyst to mark the location. During surgery, your surgeon will cut along the cyst to remove it. They will then stitch the opening to let the skin heal.
Following surgery, limit the movement of your hand and wrist to minimize pain and avoid irritation of the removal site. Localized pain after surgery is normal, which can be relieved by medication. You may also experience swelling at the removal site, which can be treated with ice. Your provider may recommend finger exercises to prevent stiffness.
What are risk factors for ganglion cyst removal?
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with ganglion cyst removal, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Sensitivity around scar tissue
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Injuries to surrounding tendons, nerves or ligaments.
- Inability to move wrist normally.