Get Your Free Ganglion Cyst Information Guide

What Is a Ganglion Cyst and How Does It Form

A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled lump that grows near joints or tendons in your body. The word "ganglion" comes from an older medical term meaning a knot or swelling. These cysts are filled with a clear, jelly-like fluid that is similar to the fluid that lubricates your joints. Most ganglion cysts are benign, meaning they are not cancerous and do not turn into cancer.

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Ganglion cysts most commonly appear on the back of the wrist, but they can also develop on the palm side of the wrist, fingers, ankles, feet, knees, and shoulders. They vary widely in size—some are so small you can barely feel them, while others grow to be as large as a golf ball. The cysts can appear suddenly and disappear just as quickly, or they may stay around for years.

The exact cause of ganglion cysts remains unclear, but medical research suggests several contributing factors. One leading theory is that cysts form when the tissue surrounding a joint becomes irritated or damaged. This irritation may cause fluid to leak out from the joint or tendon sheath and collect in a sac. Some people develop cysts after an injury to the joint, while others have no memory of an injury at all. Repetitive use of a joint may also increase your risk of developing a cyst.

Studies show that ganglion cysts account for about 50 to 70 percent of all soft tissue masses in the hand and wrist. They are more common in women than men, and they typically appear in people between the ages of 20 and 40, though they can develop at any age, including in children. A family history of ganglion cysts may increase your likelihood of developing one.

Practical takeaway: Understanding that ganglion cysts are common, usually harmless, and often form without a clear trigger can help reduce worry if you discover one on your body. Knowing the most common locations where they appear can also help you recognize changes in your joints or tendons early on.

Common Symptoms and When to Seek Information

Many people with ganglion cysts experience no symptoms at all. The cyst may be discovered by accident during a physical exam or when getting an X-ray for an unrelated reason. However, when symptoms do occur, they vary depending on the size and location of the cyst and how much pressure it puts on nearby nerves or tendons.

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The most obvious sign of a ganglion cyst is a visible lump or bump under the skin. The lump is usually round or oval shaped, feels firm or soft to the touch, and may move slightly when you press on it. The skin over the cyst typically looks normal in color, though the cyst itself may appear as a raised area. Some people describe the appearance as a small ball sitting under the skin's surface.

Pain is the second most common symptom. When a cyst pushes against a nerve or tendon, it can cause aching, soreness, or sharp pain in the affected area. This pain may come and go, or it may be constant. Activities that move the joint or tendon may make the pain worse. For example, a cyst on the back of the wrist may cause pain when you bend your wrist backward or perform gripping motions. Pain in the foot or ankle cyst may worsen when wearing certain shoes or walking on uneven surfaces.

Weakness or reduced range of motion can also occur if the cyst is large or positioned in a way that interferes with movement. Some people report difficulty gripping objects, reduced flexibility in the affected finger or wrist, or a feeling of stiffness. Numbness or tingling may happen if the cyst presses on a nerve. These sensations might extend beyond the cyst itself and travel along the affected limb.

You may want to gather information about ganglion cysts if you notice a new lump near a joint, experience unexplained pain or weakness in a limb, have reduced movement in a joint, or notice numbness or tingling associated with a visible lump. Additionally, if a cyst is growing larger, changing in appearance, or causing increasing pain or functional problems, learning more about the condition can help you understand your options.

Practical takeaway: Keep track of any lumps you notice and how they change over time. Write down when symptoms started, what activities make them worse, and any changes in size or appearance. This information will be helpful to have if you decide to discuss the cyst with a medical professional.

How Ganglion Cysts Are Diagnosed

Diagnosing a ganglion cyst typically begins with a physical examination. A healthcare provider will look at the lump, feel it with their hands to assess its size, texture, and how much it moves, and ask about your symptoms. The provider may also ask when you first noticed the cyst, whether it has changed in size or appearance, and what, if any, pain or discomfort you are experiencing.

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In many cases, a physical exam is all that is needed to identify a ganglion cyst. The characteristic appearance and location of the lump, combined with your description of symptoms, often make the diagnosis clear. However, to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, imaging tests may be recommended. Ultrasound is a common first choice for imaging because it is non-invasive, uses no radiation, and can clearly show the fluid-filled nature of the cyst.

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, provides very detailed images of soft tissues and can show exactly where the cyst is located and how it relates to surrounding structures like nerves and tendons. X-rays are less useful for ganglion cysts because the cysts are soft tissue and do not show up well on X-ray images. However, an X-ray might be taken to rule out bone or joint problems that could be causing similar symptoms.

Some healthcare providers may recommend aspiration, a procedure in which a small needle is inserted into the cyst to draw out some of the fluid inside. This fluid can be examined under a microscope to confirm that it is consistent with a ganglion cyst and to rule out infection or other conditions. Aspiration can also provide relief from symptoms in some cases, though the cyst often refills with fluid over time.

It is important to note that not all lumps near joints are ganglion cysts. Other conditions, such as lipomas (fatty tumors), bursitis, cysts related to arthritis, or even infections, can cause similar-looking bumps. This is why professional evaluation is important if you are uncertain about a lump on your body. Learning how cysts are typically diagnosed can help you understand what to expect if you have a lump examined.

Practical takeaway: If you have a lump you want to discuss with a healthcare provider, be ready to describe how long you have had it, whether it has changed, and what symptoms, if any, you are experiencing. Having this information ready will help the provider conduct a thorough evaluation.

Treatment Options and Management Strategies

One of the most common approaches to managing a ganglion cyst is observation, sometimes called the "wait and see" approach. This strategy is appropriate for cysts that are not causing pain, not affecting function, and not growing. Research shows that about 50 percent of ganglion cysts disappear on their own within five years without any treatment. Because of this natural resolution rate, many healthcare providers recommend monitoring the cyst rather than treating it right away if it is not causing problems.

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If a cyst is causing pain or interfering with function, several treatment approaches may be considered. Rest and immobilization are often the first step. Keeping the affected joint still by wearing a splint, brace, or wrist support can reduce irritation and may help the cyst shrink. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen may also help manage discomfort. Applying ice to the area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, several times a day, can reduce swelling and numb pain temporarily.

Aspiration, described in the previous section, is a minimally invasive procedure. A healthcare provider uses a needle to puncture the cyst and drain the fluid inside. This provides quick relief from pain and may cause the cyst to disappear temporarily. However, the cyst returns in about 40 to 50 percent of cases because the underlying tissue problem that caused the cyst remains unresolved. When aspiration is combined with an injection of a