A ganglion cyst is a non-cancerous, fluid-filled lump that commonly forms near joints or tendons, most often appearing on the wrist or hand. These cysts can also develop on the ankles and feet. They typically present as a visible bump just beneath the skin’s surface, varying in size from as small as a pea to several centimeters across.
The fluid inside a ganglion cyst is a thick, jelly-like substance similar to the lubricating fluid found in joints. While their exact cause is not fully understood, they are thought to arise when tissue surrounding a joint or tendon bulges out, creating a sac. These cysts are generally harmless and do not spread to other areas of the body.
Risks of Attempting to Pop a Ganglion Cyst
Attempting to pop a ganglion cyst at home carries significant risks and is generally ineffective. The fluid within a ganglion cyst is not pus, but rather a sterile, thick, jelly-like synovial fluid, making self-rupture ineffective. Applying force to burst the cyst can lead to several complications, as the cyst is often connected to a joint or tendon sheath by a “stalk.”
One major risk is the introduction of bacteria into the area, potentially causing a serious infection. This infection can spread, requiring medical intervention and antibiotics. Damaging surrounding nerves or blood vessels can lead to lasting pain, numbness, or impaired function. Forcefully rupturing the cyst can also cause increased pain and scarring.
Even if the cyst appears to flatten, it is highly likely to reappear. The underlying connection to the joint or tendon sheath remains, allowing the fluid to refill the sac over time. Therefore, medical professionals strongly advise against self-treatment by popping it.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many ganglion cysts are painless and may resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional. If the cyst is causing persistent or increasing pain, especially if severe, seek medical attention. Pain can occur if the cyst presses on a nearby nerve or interferes with joint movement.
Limited range of motion in the affected joint warrants medical advice. If the cyst impacts your ability to move your wrist, hand, or foot, professional assessment is needed. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limb also indicate potential nerve compression. If the cyst is growing rapidly, is cosmetically bothersome, or if you are unsure about the lump’s nature, consult a doctor for diagnosis and to discuss treatment.
Professional Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Healthcare professionals typically diagnose ganglion cysts through a physical examination, noting its location and appearance. They may press on it to assess characteristics or shine a light through it (transillumination), as ganglion cysts are often translucent. Imaging tests like X-rays or MRI may be ordered to rule out other conditions, such as arthritis, or to identify issues within nearby joints, including smaller, non-visible cysts.
For many cysts, observation (“watchful waiting”) is the initial approach, especially if they are not causing pain or functional issues, as many can decrease in size or disappear over time. If symptoms arise or persist, one common procedure is aspiration, where a healthcare provider uses a needle to drain the jelly-like fluid from the cyst. This office procedure aims to decompress the cyst, though recurrence rates after aspiration can range from 30% to 70%.
If aspiration is unsuccessful or the cyst recurs and continues to cause significant symptoms, surgical excision may be considered. Surgery involves removing the entire cyst along with its “stalk,” which connects it to the joint capsule or tendon sheath. While surgery has a higher success rate compared to aspiration, there is still a chance of recurrence, typically around 5% to 15%, even after surgical removal.