Ganglion cysts are bumps filled with fluid that appear beneath the skin’s surface. Typically, they develop near joints and tendons. While they can sometimes heal on their own, they may need to be addressed by a surgeon in other cases. You should always consult your doctor for personalized advice, but in the meantime, here’s what you should know if you suspect you’re experiencing this condition.

Causes and Symptoms

Many people experience ganglion cysts, which are among the most common noncancerous masses that form throughout the body. These fluid-filled lumps can develop quickly and change sizes. While they can emerge on any joint, they most commonly appear on the back of the wrist. Other common sites for cysts are the fingers and feet. The lumps are typically painless, but they can create tingling sensations if they apply pressure on any nerves.

Experts aren’t exactly sure why ganglion cysts form. However, it’s suspected that repetitive injuries to the joint cause fluid to leak, resulting in the cysts’ formation. Nonetheless, further research is needed to confirm causative factors.

Women and people in their early to mid-adult years are most likely to experience the condition. Having arthritis or a previous injury, such as tendonitis, can also increase the risk.

Treatment Options

Most ganglion cysts aren’t painful and therefore don’t require treatment. It’s also possible that they will disappear on their own. However, you can be referred to a surgeon if you experience discomfort from a lump pressing against the joint. Another reason to remove it is if it makes certain activities difficult, such as holding a pencil or walking. Many individuals also seek removal for cosmetic reasons, as they’re self-conscious about the cyst’s appearance.

Surgeons can treat ganglion cysts by removing them entirely, including roots attached to the joint. This operation makes the lump far less likely to return than an aspiration, which only drains the mass’s fluid. The surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll get to return home the same day. Depending on the cyst’s size and location, recovery can take two to six weeks.

If you’re seeking treatment for your ganglion cyst, visit Orthopedic Associates of Hawaii. Serving Hawaii residents throughout Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island, these board-certified surgeons cover nearly every orthopedic specialty and have their own center for minimally invasive procedures. Find out more about the practice online, and schedule your appointment by calling (808) 536-2261.