Overview
This fluid-filled sac creates a bump you can see and feel beneath your skin. It commonly forms at a joint in the wrist, hand or finger. A ganglion cyst isn’t dangerous, but it can be painful. And you may not like the way it looks.
Anatomy
So, what is this bump, exactly? A ganglion cyst begins as a bulge in the thin tissue that covers a joint or a tendon. This bulge develops into a sac that’s attached to a hollow stalk. The stalk lets fluid flow into the sac.
Causes
Why does a ganglion cyst form? We don’t know the exact reason. It may be linked to things like injury or arthritis. Ganglion cysts tend to be more common in women.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms? A ganglion cyst creates a firm, round bump beneath your skin. It may be close to the surface, or you may feel it deeper under your skin. It may cause pain or tingling, and it can cause muscle weakness. And it may change size, growing larger or smaller over time.
Treatment
How do we treat it? If your cyst isn’t causing problems, we may not need to treat it. It may go away on its own. But if your cyst is causing pain or other problems, we can drain it with a needle or remove it with surgery. Your doctor will create a plan that’s right for you.
Video and transcription provided by ViewMedica.
