Ganglion Cyst

A ganglion cyst is a small, soft lump that appears under your skin. It's filled with a jelly-like fluid and usually shows up on your wrist or hand, close to a joint. These lumps are very common and often harmless.

What does a ganglion cyst look like?

Ganglion cysts are:

• Smooth and soft to touch
• Usually found on hands or wrists near joints (though they can appear on the top of your foot)
• Different sizes - from smaller than a pea to a few centimetres across
• Usually painless, but can hurt when you move the nearby joint

The lump might be the only thing you notice, but some people also get numbness or aching after moving the affected joint.

What causes ganglion cysts?

We don't always know exactly why ganglion cysts form. Sometimes they happen after an injury causes fluid to leak from a joint. Women get them much more often than men, though we're not sure why.

Do I need treatment?

The good news is that most ganglion cysts get better on their own without any treatment. This can take several months to a year, so patience is key.

If your cyst hurts when you use your hand, there are simple things you can try:

What you can do:

• Take ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce swelling and pain
• Try wrist supports or compression wraps (stretchy bandages) - you can buy these from supermarkets or pharmacies

What you should NOT do:

• Don't try to burst or pop the cyst yourself - this could cause an infection or damage your skin

Getting help from a pharmacist

Your local pharmacist can recommend medicines for any pain you're having. They can also give you advice about using wrist supports or compression wraps properly.

When should I speak to my GP?

You should see your GP if:

• You're worried about any lump
• A lump gets bigger
• A lump feels hard and doesn't move

When do I need urgent help?

Get urgent help from your GP or call NHS 111 if:

• You have a lump that is very painful, hot, or red (redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin)

These could be signs of infection that need quick treatment.

Medical treatments

If your ganglion cyst is causing problems, your GP might suggest:

• Draining the cyst with a needle
• A steroid injection to reduce swelling
• A small operation to remove the cyst

Most cysts don't come back once they're removed, but sometimes they can return.

The bottom line

Ganglion cysts are usually nothing to worry about and often go away by themselves. Simple self-care measures can help with any discomfort. However, it's always worth speaking to your GP if you have any concerns about a lump, especially if it changes or becomes painful.

Remember, only a healthcare professional can properly examine any lump and give you the right advice for your specific situation.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.