Ganglions

What is it?

A ganglion is a fluid-filled lump that is connected to a joint or the covering sheath of a tendon. They often occur on the back of the wrist, just next to the nail (mucous cyst) or along the tendons in the palm of the hand. If they are not causing pain or a functional problem they do not require treatment, and sometimes disappear spontaneously. They are benign.

Treatments

Ganglion aspiration– The fluid in the sac is drawn off via a needle. The fluid can recollect and the lump may reform.

​Ganglion surgery – Removal of the lump may be under a local anaesthetic but sometimes a general anaesthetic is required. The hand is bandaged afterwards with the finger is free to mobilise.

Ganglions around the front of the wrist can be close to the artery, damage is rare and could be repaired immediately. Nail growth – Cysts near the nail bed often cause a ridge in the nail, surgery usually allows this to resolve but sometimes ridging may persist.