Ganglion Cysts
Treatment for Ganglion Cysts in Cincinnati
Ganglion cysts are benign, but may become unsightly or painful in some cases. The hand and wrist experts at Beacon Orthopaedics are experienced in treating ganglion cysts, and can help reduce the size of a cyst and alleviate any discomfort it causes.
What is a Ganglion Cyst?
Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled cysts that are attached to a stalk rising out of a joint, growing out of ligaments, tendon sheaths, or joint linings. The cyst is filled with a thick fluid. Ganglion cysts are not cancerous and are the most common source of a lump or mass in the hand or fingers. The most common location for a ganglion cyst to develop is on the back of the wrist, though they may also grow on the underside of the wrist or on a finger joint. Ganglion cysts usually grow larger with activity and decrease in size with rest.1
Symptoms of Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts may or may not be painful. The main symptom of a ganglion cyst is a round or oval lump on the back of the hand, palm, or finger that may be tender to pressure.In rare cases, ganglion cysts may put pressure on nerves, causing tingling, pain, or muscle weakness.2
Treatment for Ganglion Cysts
In many cases, ganglion cysts disappear on their own and don’t require treatment. If, however, a ganglion cyst causes pain, creates problems with hand or wrist function, or has an unacceptable appearance, it may be time to seek treatment.
Non-Surgical Treatment
If a ganglion cyst becomes problematic, your doctor may recommend immobilization with a brace or splint. Reducing activity may help the cyst grow smaller.
If immobilization doesn’t help decrease the size of a ganglion cyst or if the cyst’s location makes immobilization difficult, your doctor may aspirate the cyst (drain the fluid) using a small needle.
Surgery for Ganglion Cysts
In cases where minimally-invasive treatment of a ganglion cyst has not been successful, surgery may be performed. During ganglion cyst removal surgery, your doctor will remove the cyst and the stalk that attaches it to the tendon or joint. Ganglion cysts may recur after surgery.3
Contact Beacon Orthopaedics
If a ganglion cyst on your hand or finger has grown in size and is becoming irritating or uncomfortable, treatment is available. Contact the hand and wrist experts at Beacon Orthopaedics to schedule a consultation in Cincinnati.
1 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist and Hand. Available: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/ganglion-cyst-of-the-wrist-and-hand/. Accessed November 9, 2021.
2 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Ganglion Cyst. Available: https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/ganglion-cyst. Accessed November 9, 2021.
3 Mayo Clinic. Ganglion Cyst. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ganglion-cyst/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351160. Accessed November 9, 2021.