Noticing an unusual lump near a joint can be alarming. In many cases, however, the cause is a ganglion cyst - a common, non-cancerous growth that develops on or near joints and tendons. While ganglion cysts are not dangerous, they can cause discomfort and may affect the movement of the joint they sit close to.
This guide explains what a ganglion cyst is, why they form, what symptoms to look out for, and the treatment options available at Minor Surgery Clinic.
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that grows on or near a joint or tendon sheath. It contains a thick, jelly-like fluid similar to synovial fluid, which is the fluid that naturally lubricates your joints. Ganglion cysts can vary in size from a small pea to a more noticeable lump, and they may grow or shrink over time without any treatment.
They are the most common benign soft tissue lumps found on the hand and wrist, though they can also appear on the ankle, foot, or other joints in the body. Ganglion cysts are not cancerous and do not spread to surrounding tissue.
The exact cause of ganglion cysts is not fully understood. They are thought to develop when the tissue surrounding a joint or tendon degenerates slightly, causing fluid to leak out and collect in a sac beneath the skin.
They are more common in people who repeatedly stress a joint through physical work or sport. Women are more likely to develop ganglion cysts than men, and they can appear at any age, though they are most frequently seen in people between 20 and 40 years old. In some cases, a ganglion cyst may appear following an injury to the joint, though this is not always the trigger.
Many ganglion cysts cause no symptoms at all and are discovered by chance during a routine examination or when the person notices a lump. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
In some cases, the cyst may not be visible but can still cause pain if it is pressing against underlying structures. The size of the lump may fluctuate, sometimes appearing to disappear temporarily and then returning.
Some ganglion cysts do resolve without any treatment. Waiting and monitoring is a reasonable approach for cysts that are small and painless, and a proportion will disappear over time without intervention. However, there is no reliable timeline for this, and many cysts persist for years or return after appearing to resolve.
Historically, one common home remedy was to strike the cyst firmly with a heavy book. This is not recommended and can cause injury to the surrounding tissue. Attempting to drain or remove a cyst yourself also carries real risks of infection and recurrence, and should be avoided.
If the cyst is causing pain, affecting your range of motion, pressing on a nerve, or simply causing you concern, professional treatment is the safest and most effective option.
There are two main treatment options for ganglion cysts: aspiration and surgical excision.
Aspiration: This involves draining the fluid from the cyst using a fine needle and syringe. It is a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in clinic under local anaesthetic. Aspiration carries a relatively high recurrence rate, however, as the cyst sac itself remains in place and may refill with fluid over time.
Surgical excision: This involves removing the cyst and its root entirely. Because the sac is fully removed, excision carries a lower risk of recurrence than aspiration. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and is typically completed within a single appointment. At Minor Surgery Clinic, excision is carried out by experienced clinicians at our Harley Street, London and Bexleyheath, Kent locations.
Following excision, most patients recover comfortably and are able to return to normal activities within a short period. Your clinician will provide detailed aftercare guidance and advise you on what to expect during the healing process.
It is always worth having an unexplained lump assessed by a medical professional, particularly if you are unsure what you are dealing with. You should seek advice if:
While ganglion cysts are benign, other types of lumps around joints may require a different approach. An early assessment will give you clarity and peace of mind, and means that treatment can begin without unnecessary delay if it is needed.
At Minor Surgery Clinic, we offer expert assessment and removal of ganglion cysts at our Harley Street, London and Bexleyheath, Kent clinics. Our experienced clinicians will assess your cyst, explain your options clearly, and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment for your situation.
If you have noticed a lump near a joint and would like to have it assessed, we would be happy to help. Book a consultation with us today and take the first step towards getting the right care.