Ganglion Cyst
A soft lump on the wrist or hand — what it is, why it happens, and how we can help.
A ganglion cyst is a soft, fluid-filled lump that grows from a joint or tendon sheath, most often on the back of the wrist.
They are very common and almost always harmless. Many cause no trouble at all, and some settle on their own over time — so treatment is only needed if the lump is painful, getting in the way, or bothering you.
Symptoms of ganglion cyst.
A ganglion can appear quickly or build up slowly, and may change in size over time.
Why it happens.
There's often no clear reason a ganglion forms, and they can appear in anyone. A few things make them more likely.
Don't wait for it to settle.
Early assessment helps you get the right treatment sooner. See a specialist if:
Diagnosed by clinical examination.
A ganglion can usually be diagnosed by examining the lump — its position, feel and the way it changes with movement are often enough to be confident. Occasionally we use an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis or look at the joint underneath. Nerve tests aren't needed for a ganglion.
How ganglion cyst is treated.
We start with the least invasive option that's right for you — and sometimes that means no treatment at all.
Many ganglions are harmless and need no treatment — some settle on their own. If it isn't painful or in the way, simply keeping an eye on it is a sensible first step.
Draining the fluid from the cyst with a fine needle can ease an uncomfortable lump. It's quick, but the ganglion can come back afterwards.
If the cyst keeps returning, is painful or limits your hand, a consultant can remove it together with the stalk it grows from.
Seen in days — not months on a list.
A named specialist, not a junior — all the way through.
Every price published and confirmed in writing.
Seen privately, without the wait.
We bill major UK insurers directly.
Are ganglion cysts dangerous? +
No. A ganglion is a benign, fluid-filled lump — it isn't cancerous and it won't spread. It's worth having any new lump checked to confirm what it is, but a ganglion itself is harmless.
Will a ganglion cyst go away on its own? +
It can. Many ganglions change in size over time and some disappear without any treatment, which is why watching and waiting is often the first step when the lump isn't troubling you.
Can a ganglion come back after treatment? +
It can return after aspiration, when the fluid is drained but the stalk remains. Recurrence is less likely after surgical removal, as the cyst is taken out along with its stalk.
Should I try to burst it myself? +
No — the old advice of hitting a ganglion with a heavy book isn't a good idea and can cause injury. If a lump is bothering you, it's better to have it assessed by a consultant.
Don't put up with it.
Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — and a plan.