Symptoms of ganglion cysts The symptoms of a ganglion cyst include: Noticeable swelling or lump. The lump is able to change its size, including going away completely only to return. The lump is usually soft and immobile. In some cases, the lump is painful and aching, particularly those at the base of fingers. The ache and pain is made worse by moving any nearby joints. The affected tendon may cause a sensation of muscular weakness. The back of the hands and wrists are most commonly affected.
Other sites include the back of the knee Bakers cyst , ankle, foot, palm and fingers. Causes of ganglion cysts No one knows what causes a ganglion cyst to form. Some of the theories include: The body responds to injury, trauma or overuse by forming an internal 'blister'. Small tears in the tendon membrane or joint capsule allow the contents to squeeze out. Ganglion cysts can disappear Around 30 to 50 per cent of ganglion cysts disappear by themselves without the need for medical treatment.
Diagnosis of ganglion cysts Ganglion cysts are diagnosed using a number of tests including: Medical history Physical examination Ultrasound X-rays Needle aspiration a fine needle is used to draw off fluid, which is then examined in a laboratory.
Treatment for ganglion cysts Ganglion cysts used to be treated by slamming them with a heavy book such as a Bible - which explains the term 'Bible therapy'. Medical treatment options include: Close monitoring - if the ganglion cyst isn't causing pain or interfering with movement, some doctors prefer to wait and see. The cyst may simply disappear on its own. Needle aspiration - one of the tests to diagnose ganglion cysts involves drawing off the fluid with a fine needle.
In many cases around 75 per cent , this treatment empties the cyst and no further action is needed. Surgery - the cyst or cysts are surgically removed, usually by a specialist such as an orthopaedic surgeon. Ganglion cysts of the feet will usually require surgery. Joint mobility after treatment Whether your ganglion cyst is aspirated or surgically removed, you will be fitted with a splint for around one week or so.
Ganglion cysts may return Ganglion cysts may grow back after treatment. Where to get help Your doctor Orthopaedic surgeon Things to remember A ganglion cyst is a benign ball of fluid that grows on a tendon or joint.
The backs of the hands and wrists are most commonly affected, but ganglion cysts can also grow on the feet, knees and ankles. The cause is unknown, but it is thought that small tears in the tendon membrane or joint capsule allow the contents to squeeze out. In many cases, ganglion cysts go away by themselves without the need for medical treatment. Treatment options include surgery or draining the cyst with a needle. For some people, the skin around the scar remains numb after the operation.
You'll usually experience some bruising in the area after your operation, but this should fade quickly. There's also a small possibility of temporary stiffness, swelling or pain afterwards.
This may be caused by a minor infection treatable with antibiotics. Lasting pain or stiffness may need further treatment with physiotherapy. How much time you need to take off work after surgery to remove a ganglion cyst largely depends on your job and where the ganglion is.
Having a ganglion cyst removed is a minor procedure, so complications are rare and seldom serious. But a small number of people experience permanent stiffness and pain after surgery. If you have the operation under general anaesthetic, there's also a very small risk of complications to your heart and lungs. Pre-assessment tests before surgery should make sure your risks are as low as possible.
There's always a chance a ganglion cyst will come back after treatment. This is more likely if the ganglion is on certain areas of the wrist. Page last reviewed: 11 October Next review due: 11 October Ganglion cyst. Symptoms of a ganglion cyst Ganglion cysts look and feel like a smooth lump under the skin. Treatment for a ganglion cyst Treatment is usually only recommended if the cyst causes pain or affects the range of movement in a joint. The 2 main treatment options for a ganglion cyst are: draining fluid out of the cyst with a needle and syringe aspiration cutting the cyst out using surgery Availability on the NHS Most clinical commissioning groups CCGs do not fund treatment for ganglion cysts unless they cause significant pain or disrupt daily activities.
Aspiration Aspiration is usually carried out in the outpatient department of your local hospital or GP surgery. However, scans may be helpful if the diagnosis is uncertain. In the early stages you should wait to see if this happens. 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.
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 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.
These ganglions feel like a dried pea at the base of the finger, and can cause pain when gripping. 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. 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. Home Illnesses and conditions Muscle, bone and joints Conditions Ganglion cyst. Ganglion cyst. About ganglion cysts Ganglion cysts are soft, gel-like masses that often change size. They tend to be smooth and round, and are: the most common type of swelling in the hand, wrist and foot harmless and can safely be left alone If you have a ganglion, try to stay positive.
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