A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled bump that forms near joints or tendons, most commonly in the wrist, hand or foot. While harmless, it can be uncomfortable, limit movement or press on nerves, causing pain or numbness.

Understanding ganglion cysts is crucial for medical aspirants, as they are common in clinical practice. This guide covers causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options—helping you recognise, manage, and treat them efficiently. 

Keep reading to learn more!

What Are Ganglion Cysts?

A ganglion cyst (plural: ganglia) is a small fluid-filled lump that forms just under the skin, usually over a joint or tendon. It develops when the tissue over the tendon or joint tears, and the fluid inside leaks and forms a sac. Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous and often appear on the wrists, hands, ankles, or feet. They are also known as bible cysts.

Characteristics of Ganglion Cysts

• Size & Shape: Round or oval, can be as small as a pea, and can change in size over time.
• Texture: Filled with a thick jelly-like fluid, can feel firm or spongy depending on size.

Ganglion cysts are common, but the exact cause is unknown. However, repetitive stress and joint irritation may contribute to them.

Different Types of Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts can occur anywhere on the body but mostly near joints and tendons. While harmless, their location can cause movement restriction and discomfort. Here are the most common types:

1. Wrist Ganglion Cyst

Ganglion cysts on the back of the wrist are the most common, especially in young adults. They often go away on their own without treatment. Those on the front of the wrist are more common in younger individuals or older adults with arthritis.

2. Finger Ganglion Cyst (Mucous Cyst)

These cysts occur just below the cuticle, mostly on the fingertip. They are more common in middle-aged or older individuals and are related to joint wear and tear.

3. Thumb Ganglion Cyst

Less common than finger cysts, thumb triggers can cause the thumb to get stuck or catch during movement. They can also cause stiffness and pain in the joint.

4. Elbow Ganglion Cyst

Rare but possible, elbow ganglion cysts can restrict joint movement and cause intermittent pain.

5. Foot Ganglion Cyst

These cysts can occur on top of the foot or ankle, often due to bone spurs or joint damage from arthritis.

6. Volar Ganglion Cyst

A volar ganglion cyst appears as a pea-sized lump on the palm or at the base of a finger. These cysts can cause pain when gripping objects. Unlike others, they rarely change in size and may go away on their own.

Understanding the Causes of Ganglion Cysts

The cause of ganglion cysts is unknown, but they form when fluid from a joint or tendon sheath accumulates in a sac-like structure. The fluid inside is thick and jelly-like, similar to the natural lubricant in joints. While the reason for their formation is unclear, certain things may contribute to them.

Possible Causes

• Joint or Tendon Injury – Some believe that trauma or repetitive stress on a joint or tendon can create a weak spot and allow fluid to leak and form a cyst.
• Arthritis – People with hand arthritis are more likely to get mucous cysts near their fingers, although having a cyst doesn’t mean you have arthritis.

Who Is More Likely to Get a Ganglion Cyst?

• Women – Ganglion cysts are 3 times more common in women than men.
• Age Group – They typically develop between 20 and 50 years old, so early to midlife is the most common time for them to appear.
• Previous Injuries – A past joint injury or tendonitis can increase the risk of developing a cyst in the future.

Ganglion cysts can occur in anyone, but these factors make them more likely to occur.

Signs and Symptoms of Ganglion Cysts

The most obvious sign of a ganglion cyst is a lump under the skin, usually near a joint or tendon. They can be any size or shape and may grow with movement. While many people have no discomfort, others may feel pain or tingling if the cyst is pressing on a nerve.

Common Features of Ganglion Cysts

• Location – It is most common on the wrists and hands, but it can also be on the ankles, feet, and other joints.
• Shape & Size – Round or oval, they can be too small to notice or big enough to feel. They can grow with movement.
• Texture – Ganglion cysts can be firm or soft and move under the skin.
• Pain & Sensation – While painless most of the time, some cysts can press on nerves and cause tingling, numbness, muscle weakness or mild pain.

Ganglion cysts are harmless but can be uncomfortable depending on where and how big they are.

How Are Ganglion Cysts Diagnosed?

Ganglion cysts, also known as bible cysts, are diagnosed through a physical exam and sometimes imaging tests or fluid analysis.

Physical Examination

A doctor will examine the lump’s size, shape, and location, as ganglion cysts often appear on the wrists, fingers, ankles or feet. Pressing on the bump will determine if it’s painful, and shining a light on it will check if the cyst is translucent (a key feature of ganglia).

Imaging Tests

If further evaluation is needed, a doctor may order:

• X-rays – To check for arthritis in the joint near the cyst.
• Ultrasound or MRI(Magnetic resonance imaging) – To rule out other conditions such as tumours or arthritis.

Fluid Analysis (Biopsy)

In some cases, a needle aspiration is performed to draw fluid from the cyst. Ganglion cyst fluid is thick and clear, which confirms the diagnosis and rules out other serious conditions.

These tests will help doctors differentiate ganglion cysts from other joint or soft tissue conditions.

How to Treat Ganglion Cysts Effectively?

Ganglion cysts are usually harmless, but if they hurt or restrict movement, there are several ways to manage or remove them. The approach depends on the severity of symptoms and frequency of the cyst.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Anti-inflammatory Medication – Reduces swelling and mild discomfort.
• Splints or Braces – Immobilise the affected joint to minimise movement, which may ease pain and prevent further irritation.
• Aspiration – The doctor uses a needle to drain the fluid from the cyst. This is a quick in-office procedure and often gives instant relief. However, since it doesn’t remove the cyst wall, there’s a chance the fluid may refill and recur.

Surgical Treatment (Ganglionectomy)

If non-surgical treatments don’t work or the cyst keeps coming back, surgery may be needed.

• Removes the entire cyst, including the root (stalk-like structure), reducing the chance of recurrence.
• Surgeons may use open surgery (traditional method) or arthroscopy (minimally invasive keyhole surgery).
• Recovery takes 2 to 6 weeks, and the chance of recurrence after surgery is 5% to 15%.

Surgery is often the most effective long-term solution, especially for persistent or painful cysts. However, since ganglion cysts are benign, treatment is only needed if they hurt or interfere with daily activities.

Who Is at Risk for Ganglion Cysts?

While anyone can get ganglion cysts, some people are more prone. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, these fluid-filled lumps mostly appear in people aged 15 to 40, with women more likely to get them than men.

Key Risk Factors

• Age and Gender – Ganglion cysts are more common in young to middle-aged adults, especially in women.
• Repetitive Stress on Wrists or Hands – Activities that put constant strain on the wrist, such as gymnastics, typing, or assembly-line work, may contribute to cyst formation.
• Past Injuries – A previous wrist or finger injury may increase the likelihood of getting a ganglion cyst.
• Joint and Tendon Inflammation – Chronic conditions like arthritis or tendonitis can trigger cyst growth, especially in areas that move frequently.

Knowing these risk factors can help you take preventive measures, like minimising repetitive strain and managing joint inflammation to lower the chance of getting a ganglion cyst.

Can You Prevent Ganglion Cysts?

There is no proven way to prevent ganglion cysts, as medical experts are still unsure of their exact cause. These fluid-filled lumps can appear unexpectedly and may even return after treatment. If you are prone to developing them, there is always a possibility of recurrence.

Since prevention isn’t possible, early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing complications. If a ganglion cyst becomes painful or interferes with movement, consulting a doctor can help determine the best course of action—whether observation or surgical removal.

FAQs About Ganglion Cysts

1. Are ganglion cysts dangerous?

No, ganglion cysts are not dangerous. They are benign (noncancerous) lumps that won’t spread to other parts of the body.

2. What causes ganglion cysts?

Repeated stress on joints and tendons can lead to ganglion cysts. Overuse or excessive pressure causes joint fluid to build up, forming a cyst.

3. Can a vitamin deficiency cause ganglion cysts?

A lack of vitamin D can weaken joints and tendons, increasing the risk of ganglion cysts. Maintaining healthy vitamin D levels may help lower the chances of cyst formation.

4. Can a ganglion cyst burst?

Yes, if hit with force, a ganglion cyst can pop. It’s usually not painful or dangerous, but the fluid may relocate, causing the cyst to reappear elsewhere.

5. How can I remove a ganglion cyst naturally?

Applying a warm compress may help shrink the cyst by thinning the fluid inside. However, this does not guarantee permanent removal.

6. Is a ganglion cyst a tumour?

Yes, but it’s a benign (noncancerous) tumour. Ganglion cysts are common and often appear on the wrist, hand, or fingers.

7. What’s inside a ganglion cyst?

It contains a thick, jelly-like fluid called synovial fluid, which lubricates joints and tendons.

8. How can I stop a ganglion cyst from growing?

A warm compress may help reduce swelling. If the cyst becomes painful or keeps growing, a doctor may drain it or inject steroids to reduce inflammation.

Conclusion

Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous lumps that resolve on their own and usually don’t need treatment. However, if they cause discomfort, pain, or cosmetic issues, medical intervention is possible through aspiration or minor surgery.

If you are experiencing symptoms, consulting a doctor is the best way to decide on a course of management. For medical students and NEET PG aspirants, DocTutorials has in-depth coverage of such topics along with video lectures, question banks, test series, and expert guidance to help you crack. Try our NEET PG courses now and take your medical exam preparation to the next level!