Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts affect 55 in 100,000 people each year and can become painful when left untreated. Mark Ciaglia, DO, William J. Jordan, MD, Hemali Patel, DPM, and the rest of the team at the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery in The Woodlands and Willis, Texas, can remove bothersome cysts. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking a visit online today.

What are ganglion cysts?

Ganglion cysts (bible cysts) are small bumps filled with fluid beneath your skin. They may develop because of tears in tissues covering joints or tendons, causing a bulge. Ganglion cysts commonly appear at the wrist, finger, foot, and toe joints. They aren’t cancerous and are often harmless, but can easily be removed by a surgeon if they bother you. 

Which symptoms can ganglion cysts cause?

Ganglion cysts may cause the following symptoms:

• Swelling 
• Pain
• Round or oval lump beneath your skin
• Lump that grows larger over time
• Muscle pain
• Tingling sensations
• Weakness in the affected area

Ganglion cysts are often firm when touched, though some appear soft. They typically move under your skin easily. However, you might not have any noticeable symptoms. 

What are the risk factors for ganglion cysts?

The cause of ganglion cysts isn’t entirely clear, but the following factors might increase your risk of developing them:

• Joint or tendon injury
• Being aged 20-50
• Arthritis
• Being female

Women are three times more likely than men to develop Ganglion cysts.

How are Ganglion cysts diagnosed?

Your provider diagnoses Ganglion cysts by discussing your medical history and symptoms, examining the cyst, shining a light on the area, and ordering X-rays, an MRI, an ultrasound, or other imaging procedures to confirm a diagnosis and screen for additional concerns. In some cases, you may need a biopsy. 

How are Ganglion cysts treated?

Your personalized treatment plan for a Ganglion cyst may include one or more of the following:

• Splinting
• Bracing
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Aspiration (draining fluid from a cyst with a needle)
• Surgery

If other treatments haven’t worked, the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery team offers surgery to remove your cyst. They use the latest technological advances and treatments to complete this simple procedure. Full recovery after surgery might take 2-6 weeks.

However, Ganglion cysts aren’t dangerous and don’t require treatment if they don’t bother you. In fact, they may disappear on their own over time. Avoid sticking a needle in your cyst at home, as doing so can cause an infection. Contact the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery team at any time with questions. 

Schedule a Ganglion cyst evaluation at the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.