Overview
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled lump that develops along the tendons or joints of the wrists, hands, or feet. It is benign (non-cancerous) and contains a thick, jelly-like fluid called synovial fluid. Ganglion cysts are the most common soft tissue lumps of the hand and wrist.
How common is it?
Ganglion cysts are common benign lumps, usually found near joints in the wrist or hand. They are more common in women than men.
Causes and risk factors
Ganglion cysts form when fluid from a joint capsule or tendon sheath leaks out and collects in a sac. The exact trigger is unclear but joint stress, injury, or degeneration is often involved.
Common risk factors
- Joint or tendon irritation or injury
- Repetitive wrist or hand movements
- Osteoarthritis (particularly in older adults)
- Female sex (more common in women)
- Gymnasts or people with repeated wrist loading
- Previous joint injury
Symptoms
- Smooth, round, firm lump on the back of the wrist (most common site)
- Lump on the palm side of the wrist, base of fingers, or top of the foot
- May be soft or very firm
- May fluctuate in size
- Usually painless but can cause aching or discomfort
- Occasionally causes weakness or tingling if pressing on a nerve
When to see a doctor
See a doctor to confirm the diagnosis if you have a wrist or hand lump. Any painful, rapidly growing, or hard lump should be assessed to exclude rarer diagnoses. Seek urgent medical assessment if the lump becomes very painful, hot or red.
Diagnosis
Clinical examination by an experienced clinician is usually sufficient. Ultrasound confirms the cystic nature. MRI is used if the cyst is deep or connected to deeper structures before surgery.
Treatments
Watchful waiting
Many ganglion cysts settle without treatment. Observation is often appropriate for a confirmed cyst that does not cause pain or limit movement.
Aspiration
Draining the cyst with a needle under local anaesthetic provides temporary relief, but cysts recur in about half of cases as the root of the cyst remains.
Surgical excision
Surgery removes the cyst and its stalk. Recurrence and complications depend on its location: recurrence is around 10% for a back-of-wrist ganglion but around 30% for a palm-side wrist ganglion. Discuss pain, stiffness and nerve or blood-vessel injury risks with the surgeon.
Self-care and lifestyle
- A firm brace or splint may reduce discomfort from a painful ganglion cyst
- Activity modification to reduce wrist strain can decrease cyst size temporarily
- Do not strike the cyst with a book: this old-fashioned method can damage surrounding structures
- Monitor the cyst and return for review if it grows rapidly or becomes very painful
Prevention
There is no reliable way to prevent ganglion cysts. Avoiding repetitive joint stress may reduce risk in susceptible individuals.
Sources for targeted updates
Updated: 24 October 2026. Targeted corrections to treatment, urgent-care guidance, frequency. This update covers the named sections; a full review of the remaining guide is pending.