Ganglion

A benign mass, cyst or swelling overlying a joint or tendon that commonly appears on your wrist or finger joints.

London Enquiries & Appointments

Monday to Friday: 8am - 6pm

Manchester Enquiries & Appointments

Monday to Friday: 8am - 8pm
Saturday: 8am - 5pm

Birmingham Enquiries & Appointments

Monday to Friday: 8am - 6pm
Hand and wrist review

About a ganglion

The clinical presentation of a ganglion is a visible bump. The exact cause of a ganglion is unknown but ultimately, a ganglion is a fluid-filled sac that arises from a tendon or joint that may be irritated.

Need to know

Although ganglion's are often symptom-free, they can become painful with certain activities, movements or positions. This can interfere with everyday functions and typically come and go. Ganglion's can also press against a nerve, causing pins and needles, numbness or generalised discomfort. Aside from serious medical consequences, you might simply be unhappy due to the general appearance of the bump.
The diagnosis of a ganglion is typically straightforward. Our hand specialists are able to quickly diagnose and recommend the most appropriate form of treatment.

Non-invasive treatment options may include:

  • rest and/or splinting, limiting movement and load through the joint to reduce irritation to the ganglion
  • aspiration, draining of the fluid-filled sac using a needle; sometimes a steroid injection is recommended

Surgical removal of a ganglion may be suitable when the lump is persistent and causing other issues.

Our Ganglion locations

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London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
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The Harborne Hospital

Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
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The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
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The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London

Patient stories

Hear from past patients about their experience