Ganglion cyst of the wrist and hand
A lump on your wrist or hand can be worrying, particularly if it changes size or becomes uncomfortable. A ganglion is a common, harmless cyst that our hand and wrist specialists can diagnose and treat.
What is a ganglion cyst?
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled lump that develops close to a joint or tendon. A ganglion cyst most often appears around the wrist but can also develop elsewhere on the hand. The lump may stay the same size or change over time. It may also disappear without treatment. Ganglion cysts aren’t cancerous.
What causes a ganglion cyst?
It isn’t always clear why a ganglion cyst forms. It develops when fluid collects near a joint or around a tendon.
A cyst near the end joint of a finger can sometimes be linked with wear and tear in the joint (osteoarthritis).
What are the symptoms of a ganglion cyst?
If you have a ganglion cyst, you may notice:
- A smooth lump on your hand or your wrist
- Pain or aching around the lump
- Changes in the size of the lump
- Tingling or numbness if it presses on a nearby nerve
Some ganglion cysts don’t cause any discomfort and are only noticed because of the lump.
How is a ganglion cyst diagnosed?
Your specialist will usually examine the lump and ask how long it’s been there, along with any changes you’ve noticed.
If they need more information, they may recommend a scan. An X-ray can help check for problems in the nearby joint, while an MRI scan can show the cyst in greater detail and check if something else is causing the lump.
How is a ganglion cyst treated?
Treatment depends on how much the cyst is bothering you. If it isn’t painful and doesn’t affect movement, you may not need any treatment.
If symptoms are getting in the way, your specialist may suggest monitoring the cyst or supporting your wrist first. Draining it or having surgery may be considered if it continues to cause problems.
Treatment routes for a ganglion cyst
Your specialist will consider your symptoms and how the cyst affects your daily life before recommending next steps.
If the cyst isn’t causing much discomfort, you may not need treatment straight away. A wrist support can sometimes make activities more comfortable, and you may be given exercises to help with movement.
If the lump is painful or getting in the way, your specialist may suggest draining the cyst (aspiration). They’ll numb the area with a local anaesthetic before using a fine needle to draw out the fluid.
Working with Hand and Wrist professionals and teams
Our hand and wrist specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their hands and wrists. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Hand and Wrist treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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