It is the most common cause of a lump on the hand.
These cysts are benign (not cancer) and will not spread, although they may grow in size.
These cysts also can be reduced by using a needle toremove fluid.
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This article explains the symptoms of a ganglion cyst and how it is diagnosed and treated.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
It looks and feels like jelly.
A ganglion cyst on your wrist is benign (not cancerous) and it won’t spread.
Ganglion cysts can occur on the back of the hand or on the palm side of the wrist.
Physical Exam
The appearance of the cyst is important to diagnosis.
The cyst should not adhere to the skin, and the skin should have a normal color.
Light will shine through a normal ganglion cyst because it is not a solid mass.
Pain and tenderness are symptoms your healthcare provider will evaluate during a physical exam.
These tests can include X-rays, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
There also may be groups of cysts.
There are several methods of treatment for a wrist ganglion cyst.
No Treatment
Many hand and wrist experts recommend no treatment for cysts at all.
If the cyst can be tolerated, many experts advise they be left alone.
As the ganglion cyst grows, it will put pressure on surrounding structures.
This results inpainful symptomsthat are usually the reason for ganglion cyst removal.
Aspiration
Putting a needle into the ganglion cyst andaspirating the fluidmay work.
However, the jelly-like fluid within the cyst does not always come through a needle very well.
Furthermore, this treatment leaves the cyst lining behind, and the ganglion cyst can return.
In addition, the connection to the joint ortendon sheaththat supplied the fluid can be closed.
While this is usually effective, a small percentage of removed wrist ganglion cysts will still return.
But giant cell tumors, affecting eight people, were the next-common condition.
Summary
Ganglion cysts are very common causes of bumps around the hand and wrist.
A ganglion cyst is not cancer and typically does not require treatment.
Options can include withdrawal of fluid from the cyst or surgical removal.
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