Conditions & Treatments

Ganglion Cysts

Request an appointment Call (888) 392-4263

Person holding the back of their wrist, highlighted in red

What are

Ganglion Cysts?

Ganglion cysts are harmless but annoying lumps of skin that generally appear on the hands and wrists.

The most common places for ganglion cysts are the top of the wrist, the palm, the base of the finger, and the top of the joint of the finger. They appear as raised balloons under the skin and are filled with fluid, and they are sometimes referred to as mucous cysts.

Causes &

Symptoms

What causes ganglion cysts is unknown, but they may form in the presence of joint or tendon irritation, arthritis, mechanical changes, or injury. Anyone can get ganglion cysts. They are generally round or oval-shaped, and they can be soft or firm. Cysts at the base of the finger on the palm side are typically very firm, smaller than a pea-sized nodule, and are tender to applied pressure, such as when gripping. Cysts at the far joint of the finger frequently have arthritis associated with them. At this end knuckle, the overlaying skin may become thin, and there may be a lengthwise groove in the fingernail just beyond the cyst.

Cyst

Treatment

Ganglion cysts tend to come and go as they please. However, if the cyst becomes painful or is in a location that limits everyday activities, there are treatment options. Splints and padding can be used to shield the cyst from being poked and jabbed, or fluid can be drained from the cyst.

If you have a ganglion cyst that is bothersome, make an appointment to see our hand surgeon in West Bloomfield, Howell, or Macomb Township.