Symptoms

Symptoms of a ganglion cyst can include:

• A soft bump or mass that changes size but does not move.
• Swelling that may appear over time or suddenly.
• It may get smaller in size or even go away and come back.
• One large cyst or many smaller ones may develop, but they are usually connected by deeper tissue.
• Some degree of pain is possible, especially after acute or repetitive trauma, but many are not painful.
• Pain may be chronic and get worse with joint movement.
• When the cyst is connected to a tendon, you may feel a sense of weakness in the affected finger.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will first examine the lump. They will ask you about your medical history and how long you have had the lump. They will also ask you about your symptoms. They may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI, especially if they cannot see the lump. They may take a sample of the fluid in the cyst for testing.

Causes

Cyst formation can occur due to injury, trauma, or overuse, but often the cause is unknown. Ganglion cysts are more likely to develop in women and people who repeatedly stress their wrists, such as gymnasts.

Risk factors seem to include:

Age and sex:

Ganglion cysts can affect anyone at any time, but they most commonly occur in females aged 15–40 years.

Overuse:

People who use certain joints vigorously may be more likely to develop ganglion cysts. Female gymnasts, for instance, may be particularly prone to developing these cysts.

Joint or tendon injury: At least 10% of ganglion cysts appear in an area that has sustained an injury.

Trauma:

They may form following a single incident or reoccurring small injuries.

Treatment options depend on whether or not you have symptoms and how much the appearance of the cyst troubles you. If the cyst is not a bother, it may be best to leave it alone. Many ganglion cysts disappear on their own, so your doctor may recommend a period of observation.

If you decide on treatment, nonsurgical strategies are the first step. 

Strategies include:

Immobilization using a brace or splint.

Restricting the activity of a joint may help shrink a ganglion cyst. As the size decreases, it can relieve pressure on nerves and other structures. This may relieve pain, tingling, and other symptoms. However, long-term immobilization can weaken muscles supporting the joint. Your doctor may recommend exercises to combat the effect of using a brace or splint.

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).

These medicines can relieve minor pain and inflammation. Your doctor may recommend them if you experience pain with certain activities.

Aspiration to drain the cyst.

This is usually an office procedure. It involves numbing the area, inserting a needle into the cyst, and withdrawing the fluid. This deflates the balloon part of the cyst. However, the stalk, or root remains. As a result, recurrence is common after aspiration. Do not attempt to pop or puncture the cyst yourself. Doing so could damage tissues and lead to infection.

These treatments may be all that is necessary to resolve the cyst. If the cyst persists or returns, your doctor may recommend surgery. Ganglion cyst surgery is an outpatient procedure that removes both the balloon and the stalk of the cyst. This reduces the chance of the cyst recurring. However, there is still a small chance the cyst will return even after surgery. Recovery takes 2 to 6 weeks and will likely involve physical therapy to improve strength and range of motion.

A ganglion cyst does not pose a serious health problem. However, if it is causing any discomfort or limitation of movement, speak to a doctor, who may recommend a procedure to remove it.