BENIGN HAND & WRIST LUMPS
A common fluid-filled lump on a tendon or joint — harmless in most cases, but when it causes pain, numbness or restricted movement, surgical removal offers the most effective and lasting solution with minimal downtime.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
A ganglion cyst is a round, fluid-filled mass that forms on or near a joint or tendon. It is non-cancerous and typically harmless. Most commonly found on the wrist or hand, it can also develop at the ankle or foot. The exact reason why ganglion cysts form in some people and not others remains unclear.
Many ganglion cysts cause no symptoms at all and can be safely left alone. Others press on a nearby nerve, causing pain, tingling, numbness or a noticeable loss of mobility. When a cyst is on the foot or ankle, it can cause discomfort during walking or wearing shoes. In these cases, treatment is warranted.
Non-surgical aspiration — draining the cyst with a syringe — is an option, but carries a high rate of recurrence. Surgical removal of the cyst and its root stalk is the most effective treatment and carries the lowest risk of the cyst returning. The surrounding nerves and vessels are carefully protected throughout, leaving only a small scar at the site.
KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
Not every ganglion cyst requires the same response. Your treatment will depend on your symptoms and how much the cyst is affecting your life.
OPTION 1
If the cyst is painless and not restricting movement, it can safely be monitored without any treatment. Many small ganglion cysts resolve on their own over time. A consultation will confirm whether this is appropriate for your situation.
OPTION 2
The cyst is drained using a syringe under local anaesthetic. This is a simple, quick procedure but the stalk connecting the cyst to the joint or tendon sheath is left intact, which means recurrence rates are significantly higher than with surgical excision.
OPTION 3 — MOST EFFECTIVE
Both the cyst and its stalk are removed in their entirety under local anaesthesia. This is the definitive treatment for ganglion cysts, offering the lowest recurrence rate, rapid recovery and — in most cases — return to light work the following day.
PROCEDURE OVERVIEW
What to expect on the day and in the days that follow.
Surgery Time
Anaesthesia
Hospital Stay
Drains
Splint
The exact surgical approach — augmentation, reduction, lift or combination — is determined at consultation based on your individual anatomy and goals.
RECOVERY TIMELINE
Day 1–2
Most patients return home the same day and can resume light work within one to two days. Keep the wound clean and dry, and avoid getting it wet for the first week.
Week 1
A follow-up at one week checks wound healing. Sutures are reviewed and any questions about ongoing recovery are addressed at this appointment.
Weeks 1–2
Return to moderate physical work is typically possible within one to two weeks. No physiotherapy is usually needed — the simplicity of recovery is one of the clear advantages of surgical excision.
Months 1–3
A small scar remains at the site, which fades and softens over several months. Full hand or wrist function is restored and the risk of recurrence is significantly lower than with aspiration alone.
WHAT SURGERY ACHIEVES
Excision is the most definitive treatment for ganglion cysts. Most patients experience a complete resolution of symptoms with a low rate of recurrence.
WHY SURGICAL EXCISION
Removing the cyst together with its stalk and attachment to the joint or tendon sheath gives the lowest chance of the cyst returning compared to any non-surgical approach.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia — you remain awake throughout, there is no general anaesthetic risk, and you go home the same day.
Most patients resume light activities within a day or two of surgery. There is no requirement for splinting or physiotherapy, making this one of the most straightforward hand procedures we offer.
The cyst is removed with careful dissection to protect the nerves and blood vessels that surround it. A small, neat scar is the only lasting evidence of the procedure.
SMALL INCISION. CAREFUL HANDS.
Ganglion cysts develop in areas of the hand and wrist that are densely populated with nerves and blood vessels. The sensory nerves that supply the fingers, the tendons that move them and the vessels that feed them all pass in close proximity to where the cyst sits.
Surgical excision is not just about removing the cyst — it is about doing so without collateral damage. Professor Hindocha’s approach involves careful dissection to define and protect these surrounding structures throughout, ensuring that post-operative function is not compromised by the process of removal.
“
I had a lump on my wrist for two years before it became painful. The surgery took less than an hour and I was back at my desk the next day. Wish I’d done it sooner.
“
The tingling in my fingers turned out to be a ganglion pressing on a nerve. After surgery it was gone completely. Simple procedure, fast recovery.
“
I was back walking normally within days. No physiotherapy needed, very small scar. Professor Hindocha was calm and clear throughout. Excellent experience.
DO YOU NEED TREATMENT?
Not all ganglion cysts require treatment. Surgery is recommended when the cyst is causing symptoms or limiting your life. Common indications include:
WHEN TO STOP IGNORING IT
A ganglion cyst that causes none of the following symptoms can reasonably be left alone. If any of these apply to you, a consultation is worthwhile — surgical excision is a straightforward, quick procedure with an excellent track record.
ALSO TREATED BY PROF. HINDOCHA
Other hand and wrist conditions managed at the same clinic.
HAND SURGERY
Thickened tissue beneath the palm that pulls the fingers toward it, limiting grip and movement.
HAND SURGERY
Tendon sheath inflammation causing the finger to catch, click or lock when bent or straightened.
HAND SURGERY
Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, causing numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Quick procedure. Fast recovery. Lasting result.
If a ganglion cyst is causing pain, affecting your movement or simply something you want dealt with permanently, a consultation with Professor Hindocha will confirm the diagnosis and outline your options. Surgical excision is a straightforward, day-case procedure with a rapid recovery for most patients.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Clear answers to what patients ask us most.
