A ganglion cyst is a firm, fluid-filled lump that can suddenly appear on the front or back of the wrist or at the base of a finger. These cysts grow from normal tissue in the wrist and fingers, and range in size from a small pea to a bump as large as a peach pit. Although ganglion cysts are common, they don’t spread, and they don’t become cancerous. They often show up after an injury to the area, but many times it isn’t known why they grow. Ganglion cysts can change in size over time, and they may go away on their own.
A ganglion cyst is sometimes painful, especially when it first occurs. Consistently using your hand or wrist can make the cyst enlarge and hurt more. Some hand and wrist movements, such as grasping things, may also be difficult.
Your wrist and hand are made up of many small bones that meet at joints. Tendons attach muscles to the bones at the joints. The tendons allow the joints to bend and straighten. Both tendons and joints are lined with tissue called synovium. This tissue produces a thick fluid that keeps the joints and tendons moving easily. Sometimes the tissue balloons out from the joint or tendons and forms a cyst. As the cyst fills with fluid and grows, it appears as a lump you can feel. A ganglion cyst can occur anywhere on the hand near a joint. Cysts most commonly appear on the back or palm side of the wrist, or on the palm at the base of a finger. Your doctor can usually diagnose a cyst by examining the lump. He or she may draw off a little fluid or order an x-ray to rule out other problems.
Treatment Options for a Ganglion Cyst
Your doctor may just watch your ganglion cyst. Many shrink and become painless over time without treatment. Some may even disappear altogether. If the cyst is bothersome or painful, or makes if it makes it hard for you to use your hand, your doctor can treat it or, if needed, remove it surgically. The first treatment option would be to shrink the cyst, your doctor may massage the fluid back into the surrounding tissue, or remove (aspirate) the fluid with a needle. If the cyst hurts, your doctor may also give you an injection of an anti-inflammatory, such as cortisone, to relieve the irritation. Your hand may then be wrapped to help keep the cyst from recurring.
If the cyst reappears after treatment, your doctor may remove it surgically. A section of the tissue that lines the joint or tendon is removed along with the cyst. This helps prevent another cyst from forming. Usually, only your hand or arm is numbed, and you can go home a few hours after surgery. Your hand may be in a splint for several days.