Patient education: Ganglion cyst (The Basics)

What is a ganglion cyst? — 

This is a small sac of fluid that forms over a joint or tendon.

Common places for a ganglion cyst are:

●Top of the wrist (picture 1)

●Finger joints

●Top of the foot

Ganglion cysts can also form on the knee, shoulder, back, or other parts of the body.

What are the symptoms of a ganglion cyst? — 

Symptoms include:

●Swelling

●Pain

●Trouble moving a joint

Is there a test for ganglion cyst? — 

Yes. If you have a bump that looks like a ganglion cyst, the doctor or nurse will probably be able to tell what it is just by doing an exam. They might also shine a powerful light into it. If light passes through, the bump is filled with fluid. This tells the doctor it could be a ganglion cyst.

If the doctor or nurse is not sure what is causing your symptoms, they might order an imaging test such as an MRI or an ultrasound. These create pictures of the inside of the body.

How is a ganglion cyst treated? — 

Some go away without any treatment. Your doctor or nurse might wait to see if it goes away on its own.

If you do get treatment, the doctor or nurse might:

●Drain the cyst – The doctor can stick a needle into the cyst and take out the fluid.

●Do surgery – The doctor might remove the cyst and fix any damaged tissue nearby.

What if my symptoms do not get better? — 

Talk with your doctor or nurse. If the ganglion cyst does not go away on its own, you might need treatment.

More on this topic

Patient education: Hand pain (The Basics)
Patient education: Gout (The Basics)
Patient education: Rheumatoid arthritis (The Basics)
Patient education: Osteoarthritis (The Basics)

Patient education: Gout (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Joint infection (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Rheumatoid arthritis (The Basics)
Patient education: Arthritis (Beyond the Basics)