A ganglion cyst is a firm, fluid-filled lump that can suddenly appear on the front or back of the wrist or at the base of a finger. These cysts, which grown from normal tissue, range in size from a pea to a peach pit. They don't spread, nor do they become cancerous. Although sometimes they appear after an injury, for the most part, they seem to appear for no particular reason. They do, however, tend to be sometimes painful and often restrict movement.

There is non-surgical treatment to massage surrounding tissue or remove (aspirate) the fluid contained in the cyst. There is also surgical treatment, should the cyst reappear. A section of the tissue that lines the joint or tendon is removed along with the cyst. This helps to keep another cyst from forming.

See also Hand Surgery

Ganglions, palmar wrist and at base of finger	Ganglion dorsum of wrist and end joint of finger

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