A ganglion cyst (sometimes called a bible cyst) is a small, fluid-filled lump that develops just beneath the skin, usually near a joint or tendon. They are most commonly found on the wrists and hands, but can also appear on the feet, ankles, or behind the knees.
Ganglion cysts are harmless and not cancerous, but they can sometimes be uncomfortable, painful, or restrict your movement. Many disappear on their own, but treatment is available if a cyst is affecting your comfort or daily activities.
Here, we explain what ganglion cysts are, their common causes and symptoms, and the treatment options available, including ganglion cyst removal surgery.
A ganglion cyst is a round or oval lump that forms under the skin close to a joint or tendon. They are filled with a thick, jelly-like fluid similar to the synovial fluid that lubricates your joints. The cyst often has a thin stalk that connects it to the joint or tendon beneath.
They can vary in size from a small pea to a grape and may change in size over time. Some are so small they can’t be seen (called occult ganglions) but can still cause pain or discomfort.
Ganglion cysts are:
They are the most common type of lump to develop around joints. While many do not need treatment, some may require aspiration (draining) or surgical removal if they are painful or interfere with movement.
If you think you might have a ganglion cyst, look out for a smooth, soft lump under your skin with the following features:
If you think you have a ganglion cyst, it’s a good idea to see your doctor to get an official diagnosis and to rule out anything else, even if it’s not causing you any discomfort.
You should especially seek medical advice if:
The exact cause of a ganglion cyst is not fully understood. It’s thought that in some cases, injury or damage to a joint or tendon causes the fluid that lines that joint or tendon (called synovial fluid) to leak out into the surrounding skin. This can create a small sac of fluid that is attached to the joint or tendon by a thin stalk.
Possible triggers include:
In some cases, ganglion cysts don’t seem to be related to an injury or harm, although this damage may have been too minor to notice. Ganglion cysts are seen more often in women than in men.
Although the cause isn’t yet fully understood, we do know that some factors make it more likely that you’ll develop a ganglion cyst:
The first step of diagnosing a ganglion cyst is for a doctor or another trained healthcare professional, to perform a physical exam. They’ll look at the size, shape, and location of the cyst and will touch it to assess how it feels.
They may also shine a light onto the ganglion cyst to see if it's partly see-through (translucent). They’ll also ask you questions about when you first noticed the cyst, how long you’ve had it, and what symptoms it causes.
To rule out other conditions or check for any joint damage, further tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, may be recommended.
In some cases, your doctor may also take a biopsy, where a sample of the fluid in your cyst is removed for further analysis.
In many cases, a ganglion cyst causes no pain or problems and may disappear on its own. However, some can become uncomfortable, inflamed, or press on nearby nerves, leading to pain, tinging, or weakness. If you have a ganglion cyst that’s affecting your daily life, there are a range of treatment options available to you.
You should never try to drain or pop a ganglion cyst yourself, as this could lead to serious injury or infection.
If your cyst is painful or getting in the way of daily activities, a doctor may offer to drain the fluid using a needle with a simple procedure called aspiration.
This can reduce its size and ease symptoms, but it does not remove the cyst wall, so there is a chance it may refill with fluid over time.
f your cyst is not causing much trouble, you may be able to manage it at home until it resolves.
Do not try to pop, drain or cut it yourself. Instead, you could:
A pharmacist can also advise on over-the-counter pain relief and supports that may help.
If a ganglion cyst keeps coming back or causes ongoing pain, your doctor may recommend surgical removal, known as a ganglionectomy.
This procedure removes both the cyst and the stalk that attaches it to the joint or tendon, making it the most effective way to prevent recurrence.
The operation is typically carried out as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can usually go home the same day. In many cases, ganglion cyst surgery is performed by arthroscopy (keyhole surgery), meaning minimal incisions are made. This reduces the risk of complications and helps with faster recovery.
If you choose ganglion cyst surgery, it offers the lowest chances of a cyst returning. But this still could happen, with ganglion cysts recurring in an estimated 15% of patients after surgery.
Many ganglion cysts disappear naturally over time, often within a few months (though sometimes longer).
If your cyst is painless and does not affect your movement, it can often be safely left alone and simply monitored.
However, you should see a doctor if the cyst becomes painful or inflamed, presses on a nerve, or affects your ability to move the joint.
At Ramsay Health Care, you’ll be supported by our highly experienced orthopaedic surgeons who regularly diagnose and treat ganglion cysts.
From your very first appointment, our team will offer personalised advice and guidance to help you choose the treatment approach that best suits your needs.
Care is delivered in a modern, comfortable Ramsay hospital near you, with fast access to appointments at times that fit around your schedule.
If your ganglion cyst is causing pain or disrupting your daily life, we can help. Book an appointment with our team today to discuss your treatment options.
Ganglion cysts are harmless and often disappear on their own over time without treatment. However, if a cyst is causing you pain, limits movement, causes muscle weakness, or becomes bothersome, treatment options include draining the fluid with a needle (aspiration) or minor surgery to remove the cyst. A specialist can help you decide which approach is right for you.
The exact cause of ganglion cysts isn’t fully understood. They are thought to develop when the lining of a tendon or a joint is damaged, causing the lubricating fluid it contains to leak out and form a pocket of liquid in the skin. This may happen due to an injury, repeated stress, or as a result of osteoarthritis. However, in some cases, ganglion cysts seem to develop without any apparent damage to a joint or tendon.
Many ganglion cysts shrink or disappear within a few months to a year without any form of treatment. However, some can last for longer, and some can come and go over time – often they will shrink and disappear, then return. If a cyst doesn't improve or keeps returning, you may wish to seek medical advice. You can book an appointment with Ramsay Health Care to discuss your options.
Other lumps around joints or tendons can look similar to ganglion cysts, including lipomas (fatty lumps), bursitis (fluid-filled sacs), or other soft tissue swellings. A healthcare professional can usually confirm the diagnosis after examining the lump. If you have a lump somewhere on your body, you should see a doctor as soon as you can to have it properly diagnosed.
There is no proven home remedy you can use to naturally dissolve a ganglion cyst. There are steps you can take to ease any ganglion cyst symptoms you have, including rest, gentle heat, or using supports like wrist supports. For many people, their cyst resolves naturally over time, but if you have a problem ganglion cyst, you should talk to a doctor about professional treatment. Never try to burst a ganglion cyst yourself, as it can lead to infection or injury.
No. Ganglion cysts and tumours are two different things. A ganglion cyst can’t turn into a tumour or cancer. However, if you notice a lump that changes quickly, is painful, or looks unusual, you should have it assessed by a doctor as soon as possible.
There is no evidence that ganglion cysts are linked to vitamin deficiencies or any other aspect of diet or nutrition. Whilst their exact cause isn’t fully understood, it’s likely that ganglion cysts are most often triggered by damage to a joint or tendon that causes fluid to leak out of them and into the surrounding skin.
No. Ganglion cysts aren’t caused by poor hygiene or infections. Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop naturally near joints or tendons, likely due to damage to those joints or tendons.
Ganglion cysts usually don’t feel hard. They typically feel either firm or soft, depending on their size and how much fluid they contain. They should feel like they contain fluid or a dense, jelly-like substance. If you have a hard lump on your body, or any lump that hasn’t been diagnosed, book an appointment with your doctor for assessment.
Wrist arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems inside your wrist joint.
Dupuytrens Fasciectomy is surgery to remove thickened, scar-like tissue from under the skin of the fingers and palm of the hand, responsible for causing Dupuytren’s contracture. The goal is to release the tight bands of tissue, allowing the affected fingers to regain their normal range of motion.
Carpal tunnel is nerve compression in the wrist causing pain and numbness. Explore carpal tunnel surgery, a procedure relieving pressure on the median nerve in the wrist to improve hand function and reduced discomfort.
Mr Upton is our first patient to have the new Puresee intraocular lens to support his cataract surgery, treated by Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr Jesse Panthagani.
Glendon Wood Hospital, part of Ramsay Health Care UK achieves their JAG accreditation in April 2024.
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material, contained on this website is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
No warranty or guarantee is made that the information contained on this website is complete or accurate in every respect. The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented on our website are applicable to the individuals depicted. Results will vary and may not be representative of the experience of others. Prior patient results are only provided as examples of what may be achievable. Individual results will vary and no guarantee is stated or implied by any photo use or any statement on this website.
Ramsay is a trusted provider of plastic or reconstructive surgery treatments as a part of our wrap-around holistic patient care. Our personal, friendly and professional team are here to support you throughout to ensure the best possible care. All procedures we perform are clinically justified.
*Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Ramsay Health Care UK Operations Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct authority under FRN 702886. Ramsay Healthcare UK Operations is acting as a credit broker to Chrysalis Finance Limited.
Ramsay Health Care UK is not currently recruiting for any roles based outside of England. If you are interested in applying for a role with Ramsay Health Care UK, please note that all available positions are advertised exclusively on our official website: https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/careers. Be cautious of individuals or organisations that approach you directly for remotely-based roles. Always verify the authenticity of the job offer and be careful with whom you share your personal information. For more information and advice on employment fraud, please visit: https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/careers/recruitment-fraud