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Ganglion cyst removal
A ganglion cyst is a bump on the fingers or wrist. While benign, it can cause pain and restrict movement. Treatment can include draining the cyst or surgery to remove the tissue if it persists.
HCA UK's specialist hand and wrist orthopaedic consultants will assess your cyst and deliver expert treatment.
- Appointments confirmed within 24 hours
- Ganglion cystectomy available at private hospitals across London and Cheshire
- 97% of orthopaedic patients rate us as very good or excellent
What is a ganglion cyst?
Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs next to a joint or tendon. This fluid forms a lump under the skin typically found on the wrist, hand or fingers. The cyst is attached to the joint like a balloon on a string. The 'string' here is referred to as the 'root' or 'stalk' of the cyst.
The cyst is filled with colourless, jelly-like fluid. It’s not fully clear how they form. One theory is the normal fluid inside the wrist or finger joints can push out of the lining of the joint and form a swelling. This swelling is the ganglion cyst.
It’s not fully clear why they form either. Common theories suggest that ganglions might form after a joint injury or repetitive stress of the wrist joint. This may explain why it's common for sportspeople who repeatedly apply stress to the wrist, such as gymnasts, to experience these cysts. In some cases, these cysts might form because of arthritis. There might be one large ganglion or several smaller cysts. They typically measure a few millimetres to a few centimetres across and feel firm to the touch.
When would I need treatment for a ganglion cyst in my hand or wrist?
As they're benign lumps and aren’t cancerous, ganglions can be left alone and may disappear without any treatment. However, they can be painful if the cyst grows in size and increasingly puts pressure on the surrounding structures. Those experiencing pain from a wrist ganglion often report feeling symptoms when the wrist is in the press-up or plank position.
In such instances, your orthopaedic consultant will discuss potential treatment approaches with you and recommend what they think will be most effective.
WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR A GANGLION CYST?
There are two main options to treat a ganglion cyst on your hand, wrist or finger.
Click the arrows below to learn what they are.
Experts in hand and wrist ganglion cystectomies
If you're experiencing pain or discomfort, our specialists offer rapid access to a diagnosis and treatment so you can get back to doing the things you love.
Ganglion cystectomy FAQs
Anyone can be affected by ganglions. However, they are more common in women aged between 20 and 50. Women are three times more likely than men to experience this type of cyst, although the reasons why they affect women more are unknown.
People are also more susceptible if they have osteoarthritis or their joints have experienced significant wear and tear. Ganglion cysts can also occur at the site of tendon or joint injuries as the impact of trauma to the area can cause synovial fluid to leak and form a cyst.
They are frequently found in people who do sports or other activities that require them to put pressure on their joints.
Aspiration or ganglion cystectomy aren't always necessary. Your doctor might recommend monitoring the ganglion and it could be that it doesn't require any treatment. If a cyst is causing discomfort, you may be given anti-inflammatory pain medications. In some cases, wearing a splint could help to immobilise the joint and relieve pain.
These initial steps may be sufficient to alleviate your symptoms and potentially reduce the size of the cyst. However, your consultant will assess the ganglion and recommend the best course of treatment for you.
As it is less invasive than surgery, aspiration is the primary type of treatment for ganglion removal, whether it's in the hand, wrist, finger or elsewhere. However, around half of ganglion cysts that are drained will come back.
It's less likely that a ganglion will return after surgery. However, as with any type of surgery, there are some risks to be aware of. These include:
- Scarring
- Significant swelling
- A new ganglion forming – this is called recurrence. It sometimes happens, even if the operation is performed well and the cyst is removed at the root.
- Pain during a healing process that can last for up to six months
Your consultant will talk you through which type of treatment they recommend for you and answer any questions you may have.
If you're having an aspiration to treat the cyst, your consultant will explain the procedure, which involves puncturing the cyst with a needle and removing the fluid.
If you're having ganglion removal surgery on your wrist, hand or any other part of the body, it may be recommended that you have this done under general anaesthetic. In this case, you'll be told about the potential risks and side effects involved with any surgical procedure, including bleeding and infection.
Before this type of surgery, you'll also be assessed to check your suitability for anaesthetic and given information about the recovery process and include details on:
- How long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand
- Arranging travel to and from your surgery
- Preparing your home so that you are comfortable during your recovery
- Arranging for help afterwards with everyday tasks
You should be able to go home immediately after an aspiration. You'll have a plaster over the area where the needle was inserted, which you should keep on for a few hours. You may need to rest your hand and wrist for a day or so afterwards. But the recovery is fast.
If you're having surgery, you should be able to return home on the same day as your procedure. Your consultant will explain how to care for the area until it's fully healed. They may even recommend hand therapy to help with your recovery.
After ganglion cyst removal surgery, the recovery period can typically be anything from two to six weeks, but this can depend on the person. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine.
When you return to work will depend on the job you do and the location of the ganglion. For instance, if you had treatment for a ganglion cyst on your hand, you may need two weeks before you can use a keyboard again. The consultant will also advise you about when you can drive or exercise, although you can usually return to driving when you feel ready to do so.
What does a ganglion cyst removal cost?
Prices vary, subject to the specifics of your treatment as recommended by your consultant. The procedure is described as a day case, where an overnight stay is not required. Payment can be arranged via your medical insurance provider or made directly by yourself using self-pay.
Why choose HCA UK?
Fast access to specialist care: You'll have an appointment with one of our hand and wrist specialists confirmed within 24 hours.
Effective treatment: You can rest assured you'll receive exceptional care from leading experts in world-class private facilities.
Number One: We're ranked number one for private orthopaedics as we treat the most cases in London, as reported by Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN).
Trusted by patients: 97% of orthopaedic patients rated us as very good or excellent in our 2022 patient satisfaction survey, and 96% would recommend us to their loved ones.
Book an appointment with a ganglion cyst specialist
We'll help you make an appointment with one of our experienced orthopaedic consultants to discuss your ganglion cyst and the type of treatment that's available to you.
Our Ganglion Cyst Removal locations
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Christie Private Care
Wilmslow Road M20 4BX Manchester
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.