Ganglion Cysts
What Is That Bump on My Wrist or Hand?
A soft, fluid-filled lump on the back of the wrist, palm side of the wrist, or base of a finger is most often a ganglion cyst — a benign, noncancerous sac that forms from joint or tendon sheath fluid. They're extremely common and often painless, though they can cause discomfort or limit motion depending on location.
Causes & Symptoms
Ganglion cysts form when fluid from a nearby joint or tendon sheath collects into a sac-like pouch; the exact trigger often isn't identifiable. They can appear suddenly or gradually, may change in size over time, and can occasionally cause aching, weakness, or nerve-related tingling if they press on a nearby nerve.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosis is usually made by exam and can be confirmed with ultrasound if needed. Many ganglion cysts don't need treatment if they're not bothersome — some resolve on their own. Options for symptomatic cysts include aspiration (draining the fluid) or surgical excision, which has a lower recurrence rate than aspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are ganglion cysts dangerous?
No — they're benign and not associated with cancer, though any new lump should be evaluated to confirm the diagnosis.
Do ganglion cysts come back after treatment?
They can, particularly after aspiration; surgical removal generally has a lower recurrence rate.
Do ganglion cysts need surgery?
In the majority of cases- no. If the cyst isn’t causing pain, it can just be watched. If it causes pain, we can try aspirating out the fluid. If it is still bothersome, surgery is a good option.