Hand & Finger · Wrist
Ganglion & Mucous Cysts
Ganglion cysts often develop around the wrist and hand and may be associated with underlying joints or ligaments. When they occur at the most distal joint of the fingers, they are often referred to as mucous cysts.
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Overview
What Is a Ganglion Cyst?
Ganglion cysts often develop around the wrist and hand. They may be associated with underlying joints or ligaments.
Ganglions are filled with fluid. These cysts may sometimes be associated with discomfort.
How a Cyst Is Evaluated
- On exam, a small light may be utilized to determine if the mass transilluminates.
- Ganglions are filled with fluid, allowing for the transmission of light through the cyst.
- Occasionally, advanced imaging such as ultrasound may be utilized to further characterize the mass.
Imaging decisions should be discussed with your treating physician.
What Patients May Notice
- A visible or palpable lump around the wrist or hand
- Discomfort associated with the cyst
- A bump near the base of the fingernail (mucous cyst)
- A groove or indentation in the fingernail
- Thinning, shiny skin over a large mucous cyst
- Clear, jelly-like fluid if the cyst opens
Other Masses Can Look Similar
Please note that there are other masses that may occur in the wrist and hand. Evaluation and treatment options regarding your mass should be discussed in detail with your treating physician.
Request an AppointmentTreatment Options
Observation, Aspiration & Excision
Clinical treatments include observation and aspiration. Surgical treatment options include excision of the mass.
Observation
Not every cyst requires treatment. Observation is a clinical option, and many cysts can simply be monitored over time. Your treating physician can discuss whether this is appropriate for your cyst.
Aspiration
With aspiration, there is often viscous jelly-like fluid expressed from the cyst. Despite aspiration, recurrence of the cyst frequently occurs.
Excision
Surgical treatment options include excision of the mass. Outcomes after hand surgery vary and risks and benefits should be discussed in detail with your treating physician.
Outcomes after hand surgery vary and risks and benefits should be discussed in detail with your treating physician. Non-operative treatment also carries risks and benefits which should be discussed with your treating physician.
At the Fingertip
Mucous Cysts
Occasionally, ganglion cysts may occur at the most distal joint of the fingers. They are often referred to as mucous cysts in this location.
These mucous cysts are often associated with underlying arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint of the fingers or the interphalangeal joint of the thumb.
They may grow large enough to cause the overlying skin to become attenuated and may even rupture. When large, your treating physician may discuss excision of the cyst and debridement of any associated osteophytes (bone spurs) underlying the cyst.
Cyst in the fingernail? A groove in the nail, a tender lump near it, or jelly-like fluid near the fingernail can be signs of a mucous cyst at the fingertip.
Read about hand symptoms
Common Questions
Ganglion & Mucous Cyst FAQs
What is a ganglion cyst?+
Ganglion cysts often develop around the wrist and hand. They may be associated with underlying joints or ligaments. Ganglions are filled with fluid, which allows for the transmission of light through the cyst.
How is a ganglion cyst evaluated?+
On exam, a small light may be utilized to determine if the mass transilluminates. Occasionally, advanced imaging such as ultrasound may be utilized to further characterize the mass. Imaging decisions should be discussed with your treating physician.
Can a ganglion cyst be treated without surgery?+
Clinical treatments include observation and aspiration. With aspiration, there is often viscous jelly-like fluid expressed from the cyst. Despite aspiration, recurrence of the cyst frequently occurs.
What surgical treatment is available for a ganglion cyst?+
Surgical treatment options include excision of the mass. Outcomes after hand surgery vary and risks and benefits should be discussed in detail with your treating physician.
What is a mucous cyst?+
Occasionally, ganglion cysts may occur at the most distal joint of the fingers. They are often referred to as mucous cysts in this location. These mucous cysts are often associated with underlying arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint of the fingers or the interphalangeal joint of the thumb.
When does a mucous cyst need treatment?+
Mucous cysts may grow large enough to cause the overlying skin to become attenuated and may even rupture. When large, your treating physician may discuss excision of the cyst and debridement of any associated osteophytes (bone spurs) underlying the cyst.
Read more about numbness and tingling in the hand or explore trigger finger.
Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery
Noticed a Lump on Your Hand or Wrist?
An evaluation with Tanay Amin, MD, FAAOS can help characterize the mass and determine whether observation, aspiration or excision is the right approach for you.
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Disclaimer: Evaluation and treatment of masses involves complex decision-making. There are many different growths that may develop in the hands and fingers. These should be evaluated by your treating physician. This information is not intended to convey, substitute or supplant any medical advice. In order to establish a treating relationship, please schedule and complete your visits with a licensed physician.
Copyright 12/9/2021 Tanay Amin, MD. Do not copy, distribute, or publish this article. Please contact Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery PLLC with regards to any inquiries or corrections.