Ganglion cysts are lumps that most often appear along the tendons or joints of wrists or hands. It contains a thick jelly-like material. It looks and feels like a smooth lump under the skin.

They also can occur in ankles and feet. Ganglion cysts are typically round or oval. They are not cancer. Small ganglion cysts can be pea sized. They can change in size.

It is usually attached to a joint or tendon, and the fluid inside is a thicker version of the fluid which ‘lubricates’ the joint and tendon sheaths (synovial fluid).

The most common site for a ganglion to be found is on the back of the wrist. It can also occur on the other side of the wrist, on the hand, and on the top of the foot. Other sites of the body are affected less commonly.

The main symptom of a ganglion is one of swelling.  Ganglions are usually are very smooth and round.  Their size can vary from being very small (pea-sized) to being larger (plum-sized).  Larger ganglions can sometimes be unsightly.  They can sometimes be painful, particularly if they lie next to a nerve.  They never spread to other areas of the body.

Although they are present all the time for most people, they can be present intermittently.  In many people, they disappear completely over time without any treatment.

Usually, no tests are required, and your doctor can tell if the lump is a ganglion just by examining you.  Very occasionally if the diagnosis is not clear, a scan such as an ultrasound scan or MRI scan may be needed.

If a ganglion does not cause symptoms, it is best just to leave it alone. However, many people prefer to be rid of them, especially if they are causing pain or discomfort.

The treatments available are to suck out (aspirate) the fluid with a needle and syringe.  If the jelly-like fluid is very thick, this may not work.  Also, if it does work, there is a chance that the cyst will recur, as the wall of the cyst is not removed, and the fluid may form again to refill the ganglion. However, in some people it cures the problem.  As it is quite easy for a doctor to do, this is often attempted first.

Surgical removal of the ganglion is the most successful cure. This is a relatively minor operation. This is the treatment that is most likely to be a permanent solution.