Ganglion cysts are fluid filled lumps found near joints or tendons on the wrist and fingers (see Figure 1). They may be hard or soft, round or lobulated and are filled with a gel like fluid. The cause of
these cysts is not known. They can form in the presence of joint or tendon irritation. These cysts may change in size or disappear completely, and they may or may not be painful.  These cysts are not malignant and will not spread. However, some people are genetically prone to develop these cysts in multiple areas.  Cysts found at the base of the finger, on the palm side are usually firm and small (see Figure 2).

Your physician may request x-rays to see if  there are any problems in adjacent joints; cysts found at the end joint of the finger may have an arthritic bone spur associated with them.


In many cases the treatment for these cysts is observation, especially when they are painless.  However, If the cyst becomes painful, restricts your activity, or is cosmetically unacceptable, other treatment options are available. For some patients anti-inflammatory medication may decrease the pain associated with activities such as grabbing or griping.  If this does not help, the physician can perform an aspiration, a straightforward procedure
where the physician places a needle into the cyst to remove the fluid. This is a simple procedure that can be performed in the office.  If splints and or aspirations fail to provide relief or if the cyst recurs then surgery may be advisable.  The procedure involves removing the cyst with a portion of the joint capsule or tendon sheath
For wrist cysts, traditional surgery and arthroscopic (minimally invasive) options are available. Surgical treatment is generally successful, however, cysts may recur.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2