Skip to main content

Ganglion Cyst: Hand


 

Welcome to our health education library. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.

Ganglion Cyst: Hand

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 pea to a peach pit. Although ganglion cysts are common, they don't spread, and they don't become cancerous. They can occur after an injury, but many times it isn't known why they grow. Ganglion cysts can change in size, and may go away on their own.

Symptoms

A ganglion cyst is sometimes painful, especially when it first occurs. Constantly 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.

How a Ganglion Cyst Develops

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.

Where Ganglion Cysts Occur

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.

Treating a Ganglion Cyst

Your doctor may just watch your ganglion cyst. Many shrink and become painless without treatment. Some disappear altogether. If the cyst is unsightly or painful, or makes it hard for you to use your hand, your doctor can treat it or, if needed, remove it surgically.

Nonsurgical Treatment

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.

Surgery

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.