\r\n \r\n\r\n DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY \r\n \r\n","IsRestricted":true,"ImageWidth":"5125","ImageHeight":"3420","ItemId":"25e24ab7-dba1-42bc-b788-4361fd6a0788","Title":"Ganglion Cyst","Description":" This photo shows a ganglion cyst on the wrist. ","ImageUrl":"/-/media/manual/home/images/c0284450-ganglion-cyst-science-photo-library-high.jpg?thn=0&sc_lang=en","ThumbnailUrl":"/-/media/manual/home/images/c0284450-ganglion-cyst-science-photo-library-high.jpg?mw=350&thn=0&sc_lang=en","MediaType":"image","MediaNameTranslated":"Image","UniqueId":"v35322319","Placement":"sideline","IsInCarousel":false,"Edition":0}' excludefrombrand=""> Ganglia (also called ganglion cysts) are lumps that form on hands and wrists. Ganglia are usually found over a joint. They are filled with jellylike fluid and aren't cancerous.

Home /

Quick Facts: Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders /

Hand Disorders /

... /

Ganglia /

What is ganglia?

What causes ganglia?

What are the symptoms of ganglia?

How can doctors tell if I have ganglia?

How do doctors treat ganglia?

Hand Disorders

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Ganglia

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are a group of cancers that develop in white blood cells known as lymphocytes. Although there are more than 50 different disorders that can be called non-Hodgkin lymphoma, doctors sometimes group them into two broad categories: indolent lymphomas and aggressive lymphomas. Which of the following is characteristic of aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas?

Lack of a cure with standard therapies
Variable periods of remission
Rapid progression of lymphoma if left untreated
Rapid response to many treatments

Ganglia

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Oct 2019| Content last modified Oct 2019

Click here for the Professional Version

Get the full details

Topic Resources

Ganglion Cyst

Ganglia (also called ganglion cysts) are lumps that form on hands and wrists. Ganglia are usually found over a joint. They are filled with jellylike fluid and aren't cancerous.

Doctors don't know why ganglia form. They may be related to a prior injury. Sometimes, ganglia on the back of a finger is related to arthritis in the finger joint.

The only symptom of ganglia is the lump on your wrist or hand. The lump is:

Firm, smooth, and round or oval
Filled with clear, jellylike sticky fluid
Usually painless, but some people have mild discomfort

Ganglia may:

Change size
Form slowly over time or show up suddenly
Go away without treatment and come back at another time

Doctors can diagnose ganglia by examining your hand.

Most ganglia go away on their own without treatment.

If ganglia are painful or keep growing, doctors can remove the fluid inside it with a needle (called aspiration). Sometimes, doctors inject a medicine (called a corticosteroid suspension) into ganglia to help lessen the pain.

Sometimes, doctors need to remove ganglia surgically. In some cases, ganglia come back after being removed.

Some people believe ganglia can be removed by hitting them with a hard object, such as a book. You shouldn't do this, because you could injure your hand.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version

Click here for the Professional Version

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Was This Page Helpful?

Gout

Hand Disorders

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Ganglia

Overview of Movement Disorders

Brain

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are a group of cancers that develop in white blood cells known as lymphocytes. Although there are more than 50 different disorders that can be called non-Hodgkin lymphoma, doctors sometimes group them into two broad categories: indolent lymphomas and aggressive lymphomas. Which of the following is characteristic of aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas?

Lack of a cure with standard therapies
Variable periods of remission
Rapid progression of lymphoma if left untreated
Rapid response to many treatments

Merck and the Merck Manuals

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Manual was first published in 1899 as a service to the community. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual outside of North America. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge.

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

TOP