Ganglion cyst

What is a ganglion cyst?

Ganglion cysts are small, smooth lumps under the skin's surface. They occur when synovial fluid leaks from a joint or tendon causing a fluid-filled swelling beneath the skin. Cysts vary in size from as small as a pea and can reach about the size of a golf ball. Ganglion Cysts pose no harm to your health however they can be very painful and uncomfortable.

How is it treated?

If your ganglion cyst is causing you pain or discomfort it could be a good option to get it removed. The main way ganglion cysts are removed is through excision. This involves a surgeon making a small cut, about 2 inches, over the area where the cyst occurs and then removing the entire cyst.

Once the cyst has been removed the surgeon will stitch up the patient's skin and apply necessary dressings. Ganglion cyst excision is a short procedure only taking around 20 to 40 minutes. Local anaesthetic is used in most cases however general anaesthetic can be used in some circumstances.

Recovery from surgery

The excision of ganglions procedure is done as a day case meaning no overnight stay is necessary for patients. Most patients will make a complete recovery from this procedure from two weeks up to 6 weeks.

• For a few hours after the procedure, you will feel numb in the affected area due to the anaesthetic.
• Swelling and tenderness will last for a few days after the procedure. Swelling can be helped by regular icing and keeping the affected area elevated while resting.
• In some cases, you may need to wear a boot of plaster
• Around 2 weeks after the procedure you will be told if you can put weight back on your foot. After this, you should be able to return to driving and gentle exercise.
• Those who work in nonmanual jobs can expect to return to work within a week. Those working in more labour-intensive jobs will have a longer time off work.

What are the risks of Ganglion excision?

• Infection of the lesion – leading to a short course of antibiotics. Risk can be reduced by keeping the wound clean and keeping it dressed for the appropriate time
• There is a 20% chance in the future your ganglion cyst could return.
• Tenderness and swelling – could lead to a need for physiotherapy
• A small risk of damage to surrounding nerves, tendons, and blood vessels.