Do I Have a Ganglion Cyst?

A ganglion cyst is a small lump on the front of your wrist, finger, or foot. If it’s on your wrist, you might feel pain when you turn a doorknob. If it’s on your foot, you’re in pain when you walk because your shoe rubs against the bump on your skin. If you have something like this on your body or if it’s growing, it’s time to see a specialist. 

Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine treat many types of orthopedic conditions, including ganglion cysts. 

What is a ganglion cyst? 

Cysts are small pouches filled with fluid. A ganglion cyst creates a round or oval lump under your skin, so that your skin protrudes over it. 

These cysts can be so small that you can’t see them, or they can be large enough that you feel self-conscious if the part of your skin with the cyst is exposed. 

What causes a ganglion cyst? 

Scientists aren’t sure what causes these cysts. They usually appear around joints or tendons. The cysts may be an outgrowth of wear and tear on the surrounding joint and tissue. 

If you have osteoarthritis in your finger joints or hand, you’re at increased risk of a ganglion cyst near those joints. If you’ve had a previous injury to the joints near the cyst, it may be due to a buildup of fluid leaking from the damaged tissue. 

For reasons we don’t know, women are three times as likely as men to develop ganglion cysts. 

Is a ganglion cyst dangerous to my health? 

No. A ganglion cyst is benign, meaning it is not cancerous. If it’s left untreated, you may experience pain when you move the affected joint. 

We examine the affected area of your skin and take an X-ray to see if you have arthritis in the area. We determine if part of the cyst is translucent — a common feature of this type of cyst. 

If there is any doubt about the contents of the cyst, we biopsy a small sample from the lump to ensure it’s benign. 

How are ganglion cysts treated? 

You may already be taking anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medication if the ganglion cyst interferes with daily movements. We may prescribe a splint or brace to calm inflammation and pain. 

We can also aspirate the cyst, using a needle to remove fluid from it. You’ll feel relief right away. 

However, aspirating the cyst doesn’t remove it because these cysts have roots under your skin. If your cyst still bothers you after conservative treatment, we can use minimally invasive arthroscopy to remove the entire cyst. It’s an outpatient procedure where you go home the same day. On occasion, a cyst may return, but it’s not likely.  

If you have unexplained musculoskeletal pain, call Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine or request an appointment through our online portal today.