What Is a Ganglion Cyst?
A ganglion cyst is a non-cancerous, jelly-filled sac that arises from a joint capsule or tendon sheath. The most common sites are the back of the wrist, the palm side of the wrist, and the base of a finger. They may change in size and are sometimes painful if they press on nearby structures.
They are harmless, and many require no treatment unless they cause pain, weakness or bother you cosmetically.
Treatment Options
- Observation: Many ganglions resolve on their own; if painless, monitoring is reasonable.
- Aspiration: Draining the cyst with a needle (sometimes with a steroid). Simple, but recurrence is common.
- Surgical excision: Removing the cyst and its stalk/root gives the lowest recurrence rate. Done open or arthroscopically for some wrist ganglions.
When to Seek Treatment
See a hand specialist if the lump is painful, growing, limiting movement, causing tingling/weakness, or if you're unsure of the diagnosis. A scan (ultrasound) can confirm it's a simple cyst rather than something requiring different management.
Recovery
- After aspiration: Immediate normal use; the cyst may recur.
- After excision: A splint may be used briefly; stitches out around day 10–14; wrist motion and strength return over a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Browse hand surgeons →Needle aspiration typically costs S$150–S$400 plus consultation. Surgical excision at a private clinic costs roughly S$3,000–S$6,000+. Where the cyst is symptomatic, removal is usually Medisave-claimable up to limits.
No. Ganglion cysts are benign (non-cancerous) and harmless. Treatment is considered only if the cyst is painful, restricts movement, presses on a nerve, or bothers you cosmetically.
Aspiration (draining) has a relatively high recurrence rate. Surgical excision that removes the cyst's root has a much lower recurrence rate, though no treatment is guaranteed.
Yes, if it's painless and not affecting function — many resolve on their own over time. See a hand specialist if it becomes painful, grows, or you're unsure of the diagnosis.
General information only — not medical advice. Always verify a doctor’s SMC registration and discuss your individual circumstances with a qualified specialist.