Ganglion cyst

Diagnosis

Ganglion cysts are often diagnosed based on how they look and feel. During the physical exam, a healthcare professional might press on the cyst to see if it hurts. Shining a light through the cyst, called a transillumination test, might show if the cyst is solid or filled with fluid.

Imaging tests, such as X-ray, ultrasound or MRI, can help confirm the diagnosis as well as rule out other conditions, including arthritis or a tumor.

Fluid drawn from the cyst with a needle might confirm the diagnosis. Fluid from a ganglion cyst is thick and clear.

Treatment

Ganglion cysts are often painless and need no treatment. Your healthcare professional might advise watching the cyst for any changes. If the cyst causes pain or gets in the way of joint movement, you may need to:

• Keep the joint from moving. Activity can cause a ganglion cyst to grow. Wearing a brace or splint to keep the joint still for a time might help. As the cyst shrinks, it may release the pressure on nerves, relieving pain. But long-term use of a brace or splint can weaken nearby muscles.
• Drain the cyst. Your healthcare professional may drain the cyst with a needle. But the cyst can come back. Your healthcare professional also may inject the joint or tendon sheath with a steroid to calm down inflammation.
• Surgery. This may be a choice if other treatments do not work. Surgery involves removing the cyst and the stalk that attaches it to the joint or tendon. Rarely, surgery can injure nearby nerves, blood vessels or tendons. The cyst can still return even though surgery makes it less likely.

Lifestyle and home remedies

What not to do

An old home fix for a ganglion cyst involves hitting the cyst with a heavy object. Do not do this. The force of the blow can damage hands or feet. Also, do not stick a needle in the cyst to try to "pop" it. This can lead to infection.

Preparing for your appointment

You might start by seeing your primary healthcare professional. You may be referred to a hand or foot surgeon.

What you can do

Before your appointment, you might want to write down answers to the following questions:

• How long have you had the lump? Does it come and go?
• Have you ever injured the joint nearest the lump?
• Do you have arthritis?
• What medicines and supplements do you take regularly?

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare professional is likely to ask you questions, such as:

• Do you have pain or tenderness?
• Does the bump keep you from using your joint?
• What, if anything, seems to make your symptoms better?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?