Ganglion cyst
A ganglion is a benign, fluid-filled lump most often found at the wrist or on the back of the hand. Many ganglia cause no symptoms and disappear by themselves. Do not puncture it yourself.
Written by Bahir Hadi, specialist in surgery, PhD
Awaiting medical review.
What is a ganglion?
A ganglion cyst is a benign, fluid-filled outpouching from a joint capsule or a tendon sheath. Most sit on the back of the hand or at the wrist, but they also occur on the fingers and less often at the foot or knee. The content is a thick, jelly-like fluid, so the lump feels firm and slightly elastic. 1
Ganglia are harmless and do not turn into cancer. 1
Typical symptoms
- A soft to firm lump that can change size from day to day.
- Often no symptoms at all, the lump being found by chance.
- Tenderness or pressure, especially after heavy use of the hand.
- Large ganglia close to a nerve can cause tingling in the fingers. 1
Examination
A ganglion can usually be recognised on clinical examination. With an unusual location, rapid growth, hard consistency or an uncertain diagnosis, ultrasound or other imaging may be relevant, and the lump should be assessed by a doctor rather than assumed to be benign. 1, 3
Treatment
Many ganglia disappear on their own, and if the lump does not bother you there is no reason to treat it. With long-lasting and significant symptoms the ganglion can be aspirated with a needle or removed surgically. Whichever method is used, there is a real chance that the lump returns. 1
Ganglia at the wrist and hand often belong with a hand surgeon or orthopaedic surgeon. Contact the clinic to clarify whether your referral belongs here.
Do not puncture it yourself
Never puncture a ganglion yourself. It risks infection and does not improve the course. On the front of the wrist the lump often also lies close to an artery. 2
When it should be assessed sooner
Seek assessment if the lump grows quickly, becomes hard and fixed, causes severe pain or altered sensation, or if redness, warmth and fever suggest infection.
What you can do yourself
- Rest the hand during periods with more symptoms.
- Notice which movements increase the size and tenderness.
- Ordinary painkillers as directed on the package can help.
- See also lipomas and sebaceous cysts for other lumps under the skin.
Sources
Contact and appointments
Online booking is not available. Please call the clinic or ask your GP for a referral, so we can find the right appointment.
If you are in health insurance group 1 and have a valid referral from your GP, the examinations and treatments covered by the clinic's public health agreement are covered by the Danish public health insurance, so you pay nothing for them yourself. If you are in health insurance group 2, there is usually a small co-payment under the health insurance rules. If you are paying yourself, contact the clinic for a price.
Call the clinic
+45 39 64 01 25
Phone hours
Phone hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–12:00
Address
Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor · 2920 Charlottenlund
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Contact information
- Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor · 2920 Charlottenlund
- +45 39 64 01 25
- mail@kirurgen.dk
- Phone hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–12:00
For referring physicians
Provider number: 215430