What are the symptoms of ganglion cyst?

Symptoms of GANGLION CYST are: (1) Smooth, round and movable lump. (2) Lumps under the skin. (3) Joint pain. (4) Swollen lymph nodes, usually small swellings at the neck, armpits, groin and behind the ears. (5) Finger pain

Ganglion Cyst Quiz

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Learn more about Ganglion cyst

Content updated on Sep 20, 2022

What is ganglion cyst?

Lumps that are sometimes found in the wrist or along other joints. These happen when joint fluids seep out and form a mass. Ganglions are often caused by repeated mechanical stress or overuse of a particular joint.

Symptoms of ganglion cyst

Smooth, round and movable lump
Lumps under the skin
Joint pain
Swollen lymph nodes, usually small swellings at the neck, armpits, groin and behind the ears
Finger pain

Questions your doctor may ask to check for ganglion cyst

Your doctor may ask these questions to diagnose ganglion cyst

Do you feel a smooth lump under your skin which can be moved around?
Do you feel a lump/lumps under your skin?
Do you have any joint pain?
Do you feel your lymph nodes are swollen and enlarged?
Do you have finger pain?

Treatment for ganglion cyst

These can be left alone. However if they are bothersome, options for treatment include draining with a needle or surgery. The condition may come back even after draining.

View the symptoms of Ganglion cyst

Diseases related to Ganglion cyst

References

Wang GH, Mao T, Chen YL, Xu C, Xing SG, Ni XJ, Deng AD. An intraneural ganglion cyst of the ulnar nerve at the wrist: a case report and literature review. J Int Med Res. 2021 Jan;49(1):300060520982701. doi: 10.1177/0300060520982701. PMID: 33459091; PMCID: PMC7816534.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0300060520982701
Broekx S, Van Der Straeten R, D'Haen B, Vandevenne J, Ernon L, Weyns F. Intraneural ganglion cyst of the common peroneal nerve causing foot drop in a 12-year old child. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2021 Oct;209:106915. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106915. Epub 2021 Aug 28. PMID: 34500339.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0303846721004443?via%3Dihub
Mooney ML, Jacobs CA, Prusick VW, Riley SA. Pediatric Ganglion Cyst Recurrence: Location Isn't the Only Risk Factor. J Pediatr Orthop. 2020 Aug;40(7):340-343. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000001517. PMID: 32011550.
https://journals.lww.com/pedorthopaedics/Abstract/2020/08000/Pediatric_Ganglion_Cyst_Recurrence__Location_Isn_t.15.aspx
Velagapudi L, Matias CM, Elia C, Stolzenberg D, Largoza G, Feld R, Curtis M, Harrop JS. Spinal ganglion cyst presenting with radiculopathy: diagnostic challenges and differential. Spinal Cord Ser Cases. 2021 Jan 19;7(1):6. doi: 10.1038/s41394-020-00373-3. PMID: 33468998; PMCID: PMC7815751.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41394-020-00373-3
Vidoni A, Sankara STV, Ramana V, Botchu R. Ganglion cyst arising from the transverse acetabular ligament (TAL): a rare cause of entrapment of the anterior branch of the obturator nerve. Case report and review of the literature. Skeletal Radiol. 2019 Jan;48(1):163-165. doi: 10.1007/s00256-018-2992-7. Epub 2018 Jun 6. PMID: 29876592.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00256-018-2992-7