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A ganglion wrist cyst is a noncancerous lump caused by synovial fluid leaking from the joint. They are usually asymptomatic and don’t require treatment, but can be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they cause pain or mobility issues. Diagnosis involves physical exams, X-rays, and MRI scans, and treatment can include draining the fluid or surgical removal.
A ganglion wrist cyst is a visible lump that appears on the top, bottom, or side of the wrist joint. Most cysts are benign and doctors aren’t sure what causes them. Treatment is usually not necessary for ganglion cysts of the wrist, as they often cause no uncomfortable symptoms and tend to go away on their own with time. A person who wants to remove a cyst for cosmetic purposes can visit a doctor, who can drain the fluid, burst the lining of the cyst, or surgically remove the lump. Before providing treatment, your doctor may inspect the cyst to make sure it isn’t another, more serious condition such as a bone spur or cancer.
The thick fluid that builds up inside a wrist ganglion cyst is synovial fluid, which normally acts as a lubricant and cushion in the joints. In the case of a cyst, fluid leaks out of the joint, condenses, and protrudes outward onto the skin. The result is a small, visible, semi-hard lump. The cysts are rarely larger than an inch (about three centimeters) in diameter and tend to get larger when the wrists are in use. It is generally not clear what causes a ganglion cyst in the wrist to form, but many doctors believe that a wrist injury and arthritis can increase the likelihood of it appearing.
Ganglion cysts are noncancerous, asymptomatic, and usually don’t require treatment. It is possible, however, for a cyst to grow large enough to put pressure on the joint or nerves, which can lead to pain and mobility issues. If a person decides to seek treatment to relieve pain or improve the cosmetic appearance of the wrist, they may visit a dermatologist or primary care physician.
A doctor will usually conduct a series of tests to diagnose a ganglion cyst in the wrist and rule out other conditions that could form a lump. A physical exam, X-ray, and MRI scan can allow your doctor to check for tumors or other abnormal growths. Your doctor may also use a needle to draw a small amount of fluid from the cyst to confirm that it is normal synovial fluid.
The most common treatment for a ganglion cyst in the wrist is to simply poke it with a heavy, flat object to rupture it and disperse the fluid. Another option for smaller or harder cysts is to drain the fluid with a needle in a procedure similar to that used to diagnose. It is possible for a treated cyst to return if all of the fluid is not drained. A lump that is particularly large or that keeps reappearing after several treatments may require surgery to remove it completely.
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