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Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies

Johns Hopkins Medicine

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Ganglion

What is it?

A ganglion is a round swelling or cyst that develops just under the skin near a joint or tendon. The back of the wrist is by far the most common site; however, ganglia may appear elsewhere, including the fingers, ankles, and feet. They vary from the size of a pea to, rarely, the size of a golf ball. They are usually painless or only somewhat bothersome. The thick, clear, jellylike fluid inside of a ganglion is believed to be composed of the same elements as the fluid that lubricates the joints and tendons. A buildup of this fluid within a tendon sheath or joint capsule causes these membranes to balloon outward. Because ganglia pose no health risk and are typically painless, they rarely require treatment, and they may disappear spontaneously without any medical intervention. Many patients seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.

What Causes It?

  • The cause of ganglia is unknown, but may be related to trauma, repetitive use, or overuse.

Prevention

  • There is no known way to prevent ganglia.

Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis is typically made upon visual inspection of clinical manifestations.
  • In rare cases, x-rays or ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis, and other tests may be performed to rule out a more serious disorder (such as a malignant growth) that might cause such a lump.

How to Treat It

  • Treatment is generally not necessary for a small, painless ganglion unless the patient desires it for cosmetic reasons.
  • Your doctor may use a large needle to puncture and drain the ganglion—a procedure known as needle aspiration. An anti-inflammatory corticosteroid medication may then be injected into the affected area. Needle aspiration may eventually need to be repeated, as ganglia treated in this manner have a tendency to recur.
  • Surgery may be used to remove a ganglion that recurs or causes discomfort. After such surgery, recurrence is extremely unlikely.

When to Call a Doctor

  • Make an appointment with a doctor if you notice the development of a lump anywhere on your body. A ganglion is nothing to worry about; however, more serious disorders should be ruled out.
  • Consult your doctor if a ganglion begins to cause discomfort, interferes with normal activities, or is cosmetically unacceptable to you.