If you have a lump or swelling in the fingers or the wrist (dorsal or palmar side) :

you may have a ganglion cyst.

The cysts contain of a think clear fluid surrounding the tendons or the joints. They are harmless and it is safe to leave them alone. Symptoms include a swelling and sometimes they are painful (usually when they appear).

The most common locations (types) of ganglion cysts are :

• in the back of the wrist (dorsal cyst)
• in the front of the wrist (palmar cyst)
• in the back of the end digital joint (dorsal mucous cyst)

in the palmar base of fingers (arising from the flexor tendon).

Most of the time, the ganglions cysts arise spontaneously.

Medical treatment consists of rest, night splint and anti-inflammatory drugs. Many cysts (approximately 25%) will disappear spontaneously during the next 6 months, so there is usually no place for surgery.

If other approaches have not worked within this delay, surgery may be necessary (removal of the cyst). The main risks after surgery include recurrence (15% and up to 30% for palmar ganglion cysts of the wrist), joint stiffness, nerve irritation or persistent pain.