A Ganglion is a cyst made of excess fluid from a joint or tendon, and is extremely common around the hand and wrist. They are a sign of (usually) mild inflammation in the underlying area. They often occur on the top or underside of the wrist, at the base of the finger in the palm and in the last finger joint by the nail. They are usually painless, but can be tender and occur from the bodies response to the underlying inflammation. They do not imply anything sinister.
Our consultant’s will listen to your symptoms and history, and examine your wrist and hand. They may also shine a light through the ganglion which should lights up evenly. Sometimes an X-ray may be taken to identify the underlying cause of the inflammation and an ultrasound may be performed.
Removal of seed ganglions can be achieved through a technique pioneered at The Hand to Elbow clinic, which involves releasing the underlying tendon with a needle through the skin, resulting in up to 85-90% satisfaction.
Typically performed under local anaesthetic, i.e. making the area numb, but can be performed under a general anaesthetic if requested.