What is a ganglion cyst?

A ganglion cyst is a collection of fluid on a joint or tendon. Tendons are tissues that connect your muscles to your bones.

Ganglion cysts usually appear on your:

• fingers
• wrists
• feet
• ankles
• knees
• backs of hands

Ganglion cysts are more common in females than males. They usually occur in young to middle-aged adults.

What are the symptoms of a ganglion cyst?

A ganglion cyst looks like a smooth lump under the skin. They can range from pea-sized to golf ball-sized. Occasionally they might not be visible at all.

Most ganglion cysts do not cause symptoms, but sometimes they cause:

• pain or tingling
• muscle weakness
• a pinched nerve

These symptoms can come from pressing or stretching the affected area.

Ganglion cysts on the foot can be painful due to walking or wearing shoes.

Ganglion cysts on your fingers, hands or wrist, can cause pain that moves up into your arm.

What causes ganglion cysts?

It's not known what causes ganglion cysts. Ganglion cysts are benign, meaning they are not cancer.

When should I see my doctor?

It's important to see your doctor if you think you have a ganglion cyst. Your doctor will make sure that the lump is not a symptom of another illness.

Many people with ganglion cysts do not need treatment and they sometimes go away by themselves over time. In children, 3 in 4 ganglion cysts will get better on their own within one year.

You should also see your doctor if the cyst is causing you pain or affecting your mobility.

How are ganglion cysts diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine the affected area.

Occasionally, your doctor may recommend other tests. These include:

• removing some of the fluid with a syringe
• an ultrasound to find out whether the lump is solid or filled with fluid
• an MRI to examine a cyst that is not visible

How are ganglion cysts treated?

If you do need treatment for your ganglion cyst, there are some options.

Using a needle, your doctor can drain the fluid from the cyst (aspiration). This is a quick and simple procedure done in your doctor's office. Roughly half of ganglion cysts removed this way will come back.

You can also have surgery to remove the cyst. This is a simple procedure done under a local or a general anaesthetic. A small number of people have ongoing pain and stiffness in the area after surgery.

Traditionally ganglion cyst were treated by hitting them hard with a heavy book. This is not a good idea. It might burst the cyst, but it might cause other injuries and will be very painful.

Can ganglion cysts be prevented?

Ganglion cysts can't be prevented because the cause of ganglion cysts is unknown.

Complications of ganglion cysts

Ganglion cysts usually do not cause complications. However, they can sometimes:

• cause pain
• make it difficult to move the affected part of your body

Resources and support

If you would like advice on ganglion cysts, you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.