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    4. Ganglion Cyst

    Ganglion Cyst

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in central London, our orthopaedic specialists assess and treat ganglion cysts. If you have noticed a lump on your wrist, hand or foot, our team can help determine whether it is a ganglion cyst and recommend treatment based on your symptoms and lifestyle.

    Ganglion cysts are common, noncancerous lumps that develop near joints or tendons. Many are painless. Some can cause discomfort, affect movement or press on nearby nerves. An early assessment can help confirm the diagnosis, check whether another condition could be causing the lump and guide the next steps in your care.

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    • A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops near a joint or tendon. The cyst contains a thick, jelly-like fluid similar to the fluid that helps joints and tendons move smoothly.

      Ganglion cysts can vary in size. They are benign, which means they are not cancerous. Some cysts stay the same size for years. Others may grow, shrink or go away without treatment.

      Ganglion cysts are most common in the wrist and hand, but they can develop near any joint or tendon.

    • Ganglion cysts vary in size and may change over time. Some stay small and cause no symptoms. Others become more noticeable during activity.

      You may experience:

      • A smooth, round, or oval lump beneath the skin
      • A lump that changes in size over time
      • Pain or discomfort around the affected joint
      • Reduced movement in the affected joint
      • Tingling or numbness if the cyst presses on a nearby nerve
      • Symptoms that become more noticeable during repeated movement or activity

      Ganglion cysts most commonly develop on the back of the wrist, although they can also occur on the front of the wrist, fingers, hands, ankles, or feet.

    • The exact cause of a ganglion cyst is not always clear. A cyst may develop when fluid leaks from a joint or from the tissue around a tendon and collects under the skin.

      Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing a ganglion cyst, including:

      • Repetitive use of the wrist or hand
      • Previous injury to a joint or tendon
      • Irritation of the tissues surrounding a joint
      • Osteoarthritis affecting the finger joints
      • Being between the ages of 20 and 50, although ganglion cysts can occur at any age

      Many people develop a ganglion cyst without any obvious injury or underlying condition.

    • Diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation and examination by your specialist.

      Your assessment may include:

      • A discussion about your symptoms and when you first noticed the lump
      • Examination of the size, shape, and location of the cyst
      • Assessment of movement in the affected joint
      • Examination for tenderness or signs that the cyst is pressing on a nearby nerve

      If further assessment is needed, your consultant may recommend imaging tests, including:

      • Ultrasound, to confirm whether the lump is fluid-filled and assess nearby soft tissues
      • MRI, to provide detailed images of the cyst and surrounding structures if the diagnosis is uncertain or symptoms are more complex
      • X-rays, if another condition affecting the joint is suspected

      Different people need different tests. Your diagnostic plan will be based on your symptoms and examination findings.

    • Many people ask how to treat ganglion cyst symptoms. The most appropriate treatment depends on whether the cyst is causing pain, limiting movement or affecting your daily activities.Some ganglion cysts do not require treatment and may reduce in size or disappear over time. If the cyst is causing symptoms, your treatment plan may include:

      • Observation: If the cyst is painless and does not interfere with movement, your consultant may recommend monitoring it rather than immediate treatment.
      • Wrist or joint support: A splint or brace may be recommended for a short period to reduce movement and ease discomfort if the cyst is affecting the wrist.
      • Aspiration: In some cases, your consultant may recommend aspiration, a procedure in which fluid is removed from the cyst using a needle. While this can reduce the size of the cyst and relieve symptoms, the cyst may return over time.
      • Further treatment: If symptoms continue despite treatment, your consultant can discuss whether further assessment or additional treatment options are appropriate.

      Although Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London does not offer surgery, we collaborate with leading healthcare professionals who are able to carry out these procedures when appropriate.

    • Patients choose Mayo Clinic Healthcare for access to experienced orthopaedic specialists and coordinated care for conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and other joints. 

      Our approach includes:

      As part of the globally recognised Mayo Clinic network, we are committed to helping you understand your condition and supporting you throughout your care.

    Book your appointment

    If you have noticed a lump on your wrist, hand, or foot, or would like advice on how to treat a ganglion cyst, our specialists can assess the cause and discuss treatment options. Request an appointment or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to speak with our team.

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    4. Ganglion Cyst