Ganglion Cyst Removal

What is a ganglion cyst?

A ganglion cyst is a smooth, fluid-filled lump that develops next to a joint or tendon, filled with a thick, jelly-like fluid. They are benign — not cancerous and do not spread — and are one of the most common lumps found on the hand and wrist. Many cause no symptoms; others ache, restrict movement, or press on a nerve and cause tingling or weakness.

What causes a ganglion cyst?

The exact cause is not fully understood. The prevailing view is that fluid leaks from a joint or tendon sheath and collects in a sac. They are more common in people aged 20–40, more common in women, and can follow joint or tendon injury or repetitive strain.

Where ganglion cysts appear

• Back of the wrist — by far the most common site
• Front of the wrist, near the base of the thumb
• Base of the finger, on the palm side
• End joint of a finger (a mucous cyst, often alongside arthritis)
• Knee, ankle and top of the foot

Do ganglion cysts need to be removed?

Not always. A cyst that causes no pain and does not restrict you can simply be monitored, and some disappear on their own. Treatment is worth considering if the cyst is painful, limits movement, presses on a nerve, or gets in the way of work or sport. You should always have a new lump assessed rather than assuming it is a ganglion — our clinicians will examine it and, where useful, arrange an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis.

How ganglion cyst treatment works at our Lurgan clinic

Assessment

• A clinician examines the lump and takes a history
• Ultrasound imaging can be arranged on site to confirm the diagnosis
• We talk through your options — monitoring, aspiration or surgical removal

Aspiration (draining)

• The fluid is drawn off with a fine needle under local anaesthetic
• Quick, and useful where surgery is not wanted or suitable
• Cysts can refill afterwards, so recurrence is more likely than with surgery

Surgical removal (excision)

• The cyst and its stalk are removed under local anaesthetic
• Lower recurrence rate than draining alone
• A dressing is applied, with aftercare and follow-up advice given

Recovery after ganglion cyst removal

Most people go home the same day. Keep the area dry and clean, and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous use of the joint while it heals. Discomfort for a few days is normal. If your job involves heavy manual work, discuss timescales at your consultation.

Ganglion cyst removal cost

The cost depends on the site of the cyst and whether aspiration or surgical excision is recommended, plus any imaging needed. We give you a clear price at consultation before anything proceeds. Prices are for guidance only and depend on the procedure recommended by your consultant.

Where to find us — Lurgan, Limavady & L/Derry

Minor surgical procedures are carried out at Friends Medical Services, Southside Healthcare, 41 High Street, Lurgan, Craigavon BT66 8AH, with further clinics in Limavady (Bovally Medical, Edenmore Road, BT49 0TE) and L/Derry (Quayside Medical, 82–84 Strand Road, BT48 7NN). Patients travel to us from across Craigavon, Portadown, Banbridge, Armagh, Belfast and the wider Northern Ireland area, and we welcome cross-border patients from the Republic of Ireland.

Why choose Friends Medical Services

• Procedures carried out by experienced clinicians, not technicians
• No long waiting lists — appointments usually available quickly
• Clear, up-front pricing agreed before your procedure
• ISO 9001, 14001 and 27001 accredited (Lurgan site)
• Rated 4.96 out of 5 by verified patients on Doctify