DISEASES AND CONDITIONS

Ganglion Cyst: Hand

March 01, 2019

Ganglion Cyst: Hand

Back view of hand showing dotted line around ganglion cyst on wrist.

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.

What are the symptoms of a ganglion cyst?

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 does a ganglion cyst develop?

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 makes 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 do 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.

How is a ganglion cyst treated?

Your healthcare provider 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 healthcare provider can treat it or, if needed, remove it surgically.

Nonsurgical treatment

To shrink the cyst, your provider may remove (aspirate) the fluid with a needle. If the cyst hurts, your provider 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 healthcare provider 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, although recurrence of the cyst is still possible after surgery. 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.

Updated:  

March 01, 2019

Reviewed By:  

Hanrahan, John, MD,Joseph, Thomas N., MD