Ganglion cyst

A ganglion cyst looks like a smooth lump under the skin. They can range from pea-sized to golf ball-sized. Sometimes they might not be visible at all.

Most ganglion cysts do not cause symptoms, but sometimes they cause:

• pain or tingling
• muscle weakness
• a pinched nerve

These symptoms can happen if the cyst presses on nearby tissues or nerves.

Ganglion cysts on the foot can be painful when you walk or wear shoes.

Ganglion cysts on your fingers, hands or wrist can cause pain that moves up into your arm.

The exact cause of ganglion cysts is not known. Ganglion cysts are benign, meaning they are not cancer.

It's important to see your doctor if you think you have a ganglion cyst. Your doctor will check that the lump is not caused by another condition.

Many people with ganglion cysts do not need treatment and they sometimes go away by themselves over time. In children, up to 9 in 10 ganglion cysts will get better on their own within one year.

You should also see your doctor if the cyst is causing you pain or affecting your mobility.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine the affected area.

Occasionally, your doctor may recommend other tests. These are usually only needed if the diagnosis is unclear or the lump looks unusual. Tests may involve:

• removing some of the fluid with a syringe — this can help confirm the diagnosis by showing that the lump is filled with fluid
• an ultrasound to find out if the lump is solid or filled with fluid and help identify a ganglion cyst from other possible causes of a lump
• an MRI to examine a cyst that is not visible or to provide more detailed imaging if the diagnosis is unclear or another cause needs to be ruled out

If you do need treatment for your ganglion cyst, there are some options.

Using a needle, your doctor can drain the fluid from the cyst (aspiration). This is a quick and simple procedure done in your doctor's office. Around 1 in 2 ganglion cysts removed this way will come back.

You can also have surgery to remove the cyst. This is a simple procedure done under a local or a general anaesthetic. A small number of people have ongoing pain and stiffness in the area after surgery.

In the past, ganglion cysts were treated by hitting them hard with a heavy book. This is not recommended. It might burst the cyst, but it might cause other injuries and will be very painful.

Ganglion cysts usually do not cause complications. However, they can sometimes:

• be a cosmetic concern
• cause pain
• make it difficult to move the affected part of your body

There are also possible risks and complications from surgical treatment for ganglion cysts, although serious complications are uncommon. These can include the cyst coming back after surgery, problems with wound healing and scarring. In some cases, deeper tissues may need to be removed, which can cause permanent damage.

Ganglion cysts are common and can happen without a clear reason. 

Because the exact cause of ganglion cysts is not well understood, there is currently no proven way to prevent them.

If you would like advice on ganglion cysts, you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) (Opens in new tab) or Affiliate near you.