Ganglion Cyst Removal
What is a ganglion cyst?
Before looking at ganglion cyst removal and treatment, it’s important to understand what a ganglion cyst is. A ganglion cyst is a harmless, sometimes painful, fluid-filled swelling which usually develops near a joint or tendon.
What are the symptoms of a ganglion cyst?
A ganglion cyst can vary in size from a pea to a golf ball. They consist of synovial fluid, the thick, gelatinous fluid which surrounds joints and tendons, and they feel and look like a smooth lump under the skin.
While they can occur adjacent to any joint, they are especially common on the wrist, hand and fingers.
What are the causes of a ganglion cyst?
It’s still a bit of a mystery as to what causes ganglion cysts to develop. What we do know is that it grows out of a joint or the lining of a tendon. Ganglion cysts seem to occur when the tissue surrounding a joint or tendon protrudes out of place. The fluid found inside the cyst is similar to that found in joints and tendons.
When should I seek treatment for a ganglion cyst?
While ganglion cysts are harmless, they can nevertheless be painful. If they are not painful they can safely go untreated and may disappear on their own, which can take a number of years.
Treatment is only recommended if there is pain or if the ganglion cyst is affecting the movement of a joint – this may be available on the NHS but increasingly less so.