Ganglion Cysts

What is it?

A ganglion (GANG-glee-on) cyst is a lump under the skin that is filled with thick, jelly-like fluid. It may grow on the thin outer covering of a tendon. A tendon is a tissue that connects muscle to bone. It may also grow on a joint capsule. A joint capsule is an area where two bones join together, such as the wrist or fingers. Ganglion cysts may also grow on the back of the knee, the foot, the ankle, or the finger. Ganglion cysts are most common in women between the ages of 20 and 50.

What causes a ganglion cyst?

The cause of a ganglion cyst is unknown. However, certain people may be more likely to develop a ganglion cyst. These people include those who overuse, injure, or bump their hand, wrist, fingers, or ankles a lot.

What are the signs and symptoms of a ganglion cyst?

• Dull ache or tenderness around the affected joint (joint with the ganglion cyst on it).
  
  
• Firm, fluid-filled lump. The lump may become smaller or larger over time. It may go away on its own and come back again. It may feel like one large lump or a cluster of smaller lumps.
  
  
• Numbness, swelling, or muscle weakness around the affected joint.
  
  
• Pain that may be made worse by use or movement of the affected joint. Although, a ganglion cyst may not be painful.

How is a ganglion cyst diagnosed?

It is important to see a caregiver if you develop a lump near any of your joints. During your medical appointment, a caregiver will do an exam and ask you questions. The caregiver may do tests such as ultrasound or x-rays. These tests show a picture of your joints and muscles. Caregivers can use the pictures to look for cysts and joint problems.

How is a ganglion cyst treated?

You may be told that no treatment is needed since ganglion cysts often go away in time. Even with treatment, your ganglion may go away and then grow back later. You may do one or more of the following to treat your ganglion cyst:

• Watch and wait: If you are waiting for your ganglion cyst to go away, do not try to break it yourself. Pressing, poking, or slamming hard objects on it can hurt you, and usually will not make it go away.
  
  
• Splint: Your caregiver may tell you to put a splint on the joint with the ganglion cyst. You may wear a splint to rest your joint and limit movement. This may help your ganglion cyst to decrease in size. You may be given a splint to wear after your ganglion has been drained or removed by surgery.
  
  
• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine may decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
  
  
• Needle aspiration: Caregivers may do a needle aspiration to drain the fluid out of the ganglion cyst. During this procedure, a needle is put into your cyst. The fluid is removed and sent to the lab for tests. Next, caregivers may inject steroid medicine into the cyst to decrease inflammation (redness and swelling). Caregivers may add local anesthesia to the steroids to help decrease pain.
  
  
• Surgery: Surgery may be done if your ganglion cyst is causing pain or is limiting your joint movement. It may be done if other forms of treatment have not caused your ganglion cyst to go away. This surgery is usually done in the clinic or in a surgical center or hospital. Caregivers will remove the ganglion cyst, and may also remove a small amount of tissue around it. You may need to wear a splint after surgery to limit joint movement and help the area to heal.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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