Ganglion Cysts - Ganglion Wrist

Ganglions - Overview

Ganglion cysts are the most common mass or lump in the hand. They are not cancerous lumps or they do not become cancerous. A lump that appears and reduces on the hand or wrist can be a frightening experience but many times they are harmless "Ganglion Cysts" that will often disappear in time.

• Ganglions are benign cysts filled with fluid that arise from the ligaments, joint linings, or tendon sheaths as a direct effect of irritation or inflammation.
• They generally disappear or change size quickly.
• They are most common at the back of the wrist.
• The wrist ganglion looks like a type of lump, which grows out of a joint.
• It is like a balloon on a stalk that arises out of the connective tissues between bones and muscles.
• It is filled with a thick oily liquid.
• It may be soft or hard, may or may not be painful.
• It may get bigger or smaller on their own.
• The size of the lump is related to the activity of the hand. the more the activity, the larger the lump and if given rest the lump tends to disappear.
• It may also be referred to as:
• Mucous cyst
• Mucinous cyst
• Synovial cyst