Ganglion cysts are common, benign lumps that develop around joints or tendons, most often on the wrist, hand, or foot. They can appear suddenly, change in size, or cause discomfort when pressing on nearby nerves or restricting movement.
At Cyst Removal Clinic London, our doctors specialise in assessing and removing ganglion cysts safely under local anaesthetic. This page explains what causes ganglion cysts, their typical symptoms, and the best treatment options available, including surgical removal.
What is a Ganglion Cyst?
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled lump that forms near a joint or tendon sheath. The cyst contains a thick, jelly-like fluid similar to the lubricating synovial fluid found inside joints.
Ganglion cysts most commonly appear on:
- The back of the wrist (the most frequent site)
- The front of the wrist (near the thumb)
- The base of the fingers or near finger joints
- The top of the foot or ankle
They can vary in size from a pea to a small grape and may fluctuate, sometimes becoming smaller or disappearing temporarily before returning.
Ganglion cysts are not cancerous and rarely pose serious health risks. However, they can interfere with joint movement, grip strength, or shoe comfort, depending on their location.
Common Symptoms and Causes
Typical symptoms include:
- A smooth, round or oval lump near a joint or tendon
- Fluctuating size (it may get larger with activity)
- Local discomfort, aching, or pressure
- Numbness or tingling if pressing on a nerve
- Reduced range of motion in the affected joint
In most cases, the exact cause of a ganglion cyst is unknown. They are thought to develop when joint or tendon linings bulge outward, creating a sac that fills with fluid. Repetitive strain, previous injury, or joint irritation can increase the likelihood of developing one.
Ganglion cysts are more common in women and tend to occur in younger to middle-aged adults. Occupations or activities that involve repetitive wrist movements, such as typing, lifting, or sports, may also play a role.
Diagnosis and When to Seek Treatment
A ganglion cyst can usually be diagnosed by a doctor based on its appearance, texture, and location. During your consultation at Cyst Removal Clinic London, the doctor will examine the lump and may use gentle light testing or ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions such as lipomas, bone spurs, or arthritis-related swellings.
Medical attention is recommended if:
- The cyst becomes painful, swollen, or firm
- It limits movement in your wrist, hand, or foot
- There is numbness, tingling, or weakness in nearby fingers
- The lump grows quickly or returns after previous treatment
- It causes cosmetic concern or interferes with daily activity
While some small cysts may settle on their own, many persist or recur. Attempting to burst or drain the cyst at home is not advised and can lead to infection or injury.
Ganglion Cyst Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cyst’s size, location, and symptoms. The main options are:
1. Observation (watch and wait)
If the cyst is painless and does not affect movement, it may be monitored without immediate treatment. Many patients choose removal for comfort or cosmetic reasons rather than medical necessity.
2. Aspiration (fluid drainage)
This involves using a sterile needle to draw out the cyst’s fluid. Although aspiration is quick and non-surgical, recurrence rates are high because the cyst wall remains intact. It can provide temporary relief but is rarely a permanent solution.
3. Surgical excision (definitive treatment)
The most effective way to treat a ganglion cyst is complete surgical removal, including the cyst wall and its connection to the joint or tendon. This prevents fluid from refilling and significantly lowers recurrence risk.
At Cyst Removal Clinic, our doctors perform excision under local anaesthetic in a clean, outpatient setting. The procedure typically takes 30–40 minutes and allows you to go home the same day.
Ganglion Cyst Removal Procedure
Surgical removal is a minor procedure designed for long-term relief and improved comfort. Here’s what to expect during treatment at Cyst Removal Clinic London:
- Preparation and anaesthetic – The area is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic to ensure complete comfort.
- Careful incision – A small incision is made directly over the cyst, following natural skin lines to reduce scarring.
- Excision – The cyst and its stalk (the small connection to the joint or tendon sheath) are removed entirely to prevent recurrence.
- Closure and dressing – The incision is closed with fine sutures and dressed securely.
The entire procedure is typically completed within an hour. For wrist or hand cysts, a light dressing or splint may be applied to protect the area while it heals.
Our experienced minor-surgery doctors prioritise both safety and cosmetic results, ensuring the scar is discreet and healing is straightforward.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery after ganglion cyst removal is usually smooth and uncomplicated. Most patients return to desk-based work within a few days, though activities involving repetitive wrist or hand movement should be avoided until fully healed.
You can expect:
- Mild swelling or stiffness for a few days
- Occasional bruising around the incision site
- Gradual improvement over 1–2 weeks
Aftercare advice:
- Keep the dressing dry for the first 24–48 hours
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity during healing
- Elevate your hand or foot to reduce swelling
- Use simple pain relief such as paracetamol if needed
- Attend your follow-up appointment for wound review and stitch removal (if non-dissolvable sutures were used)
Most scars fade well over time. If the cyst was on the wrist or foot, gentle stretching or physiotherapy may be advised after healing to restore full mobility.
Recurrence after surgical removal is rare when performed by an experienced doctor, though new cysts can occasionally form in the same or nearby area over time.
Why Choose Cyst Removal Clinic London
- Experienced surgical team with expertise in removing hand, wrist, and foot cysts
- Safe, sterile outpatient environment with local anaesthetic only
- Minimal scarring techniques for cosmetic reassurance
- Fast, same-day treatment — no hospital stay required
- Transparent fixed pricing with follow-up care included