Ganglion cysts are one of the most common hand conditions treated at Tran Plastic Surgery, often appearing as noticeable lumps on the wrist, hand, or fingers. While these cysts are typically benign and noncancerous, they can still cause discomfort, pain, and functional limitations that interfere with daily life. At our Huntington Beach practice, board-certified plastic and hand surgeon Dr. Tuan Tran provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment options for patients experiencing ganglion cysts, tailoring care to restore comfort, appearance, and mobility.
What Is a Ganglion Cyst?
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops from a joint capsule or tendon sheath in the hand or wrist. Inside the cyst is a thick, jelly-like fluid known as synovial fluid, which normally lubricates joints.
These cysts most frequently appear on the back of the wrist, but can also form on the palm side of the wrist, the end joint of a finger, or at the base of a finger. The size of a ganglion cyst may fluctuate with activity it often enlarges with wrist movement and decreases with rest.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of ganglion cysts is not fully understood. However, several factors increase the likelihood of developing one:
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Age group: Most common in people between 15 and 40 years old.
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Gender: Women are affected more frequently than men.
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Activity level: Athletes and individuals who place repetitive stress on their wrists (such as gymnasts or manual laborers) are at higher risk.
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Arthritis connection: Cysts that form near the end joint of a finger, also called mucous cysts, are often associated with arthritis and typically occur in patients between ages 40 and 70.
Symptoms of a Ganglion Cyst
Ganglion cysts can present with different levels of severity:
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Visible lump: Most patients notice a round or oval bump under the skin.
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Fluctuating size: The cyst may grow larger during activity and shrink with rest.
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Pain or tenderness: Especially when pressure is applied or if the cyst presses on surrounding nerves.
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Tingling, numbness, or weakness: Larger cysts may compress nerves and affect hand function.
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Cosmetic concerns: Even painless cysts may cause patients to seek treatment due to appearance.
Diagnosis and Examination
During your consultation at Tran Plastic Surgery, Dr. Tran performs a thorough evaluation, which may include:
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Medical history & physical exam – discussing duration, size changes, and symptoms.
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Light transillumination – shining light through the cyst to confirm it is fluid-filled.
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Imaging studies – X-rays (to rule out arthritis or bone abnormalities), ultrasound, or MRI to detect hidden (“occult”) cysts or differentiate them from tumors.
Treatment Options for Ganglion Cysts
At Tran Plastic Surgery, we prioritize minimally invasive solutions before considering surgery.
Non-Surgical Treatments
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Observation – If the cyst is small, painless, and does not interfere with function, monitoring may be the best approach. Many ganglion cysts resolve spontaneously.
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Immobilization – A wrist brace or splint can reduce activity-related irritation, alleviate pain, and decrease cyst size.
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Aspiration – Using a fine needle, Dr. Tran can drain the fluid inside the cyst. While this procedure is safe and quick, recurrence is common because the cyst’s root remains attached to the joint capsule. Aspiration is often most effective for cysts on the top of the wrist.
Surgical Treatment
When conservative care fails or if symptoms persist, surgical excision may be recommended. This outpatient procedure involves removing not only the cyst but also its root to reduce recurrence.
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Procedure: Excision is performed under anesthesia with careful preservation of surrounding nerves, tendons, and vessels.
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Recovery: Patients typically wear a splint for several days after surgery and may undergo physical therapy to restore mobility and strength.
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Results: Most patients experience significant relief of pain and improvement in function. While recurrence is possible, surgery greatly reduces the risk compared to aspiration.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies depending on the size and location of the cyst as well as individual healing response. Patients may experience mild swelling, discomfort, or stiffness, but these symptoms usually resolve with proper aftercare.
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Return to normal activities: 2–6 weeks after surgery
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Long-term outcome: The majority of patients achieve excellent results with restored hand function and improved cosmetic appearance.
Why Choose Tran Plastic Surgery for Ganglion Cyst Care?
At Tran Plastic Surgery, we combine the precision of plastic surgery with advanced hand surgery techniques. Dr. Tran has extensive experience in the surgical management of hand conditions, ensuring that both function and aesthetics are carefully preserved.
Patients choose us for:
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Board-certified expertise in plastic and reconstructive hand surgery
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Personalized treatment plans, from conservative management to surgical care
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A commitment to restoring mobility, comfort, and confidence
For patients seeking comprehensive care for other hand conditions, we also provide flexor tendon laceration repair and hand rejuvenation with fat grafting vs fillers. To explore all services, visit our Hand Surgery page.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have a painful, recurring, or unsightly ganglion cyst, don’t let it interfere with your daily life. Expert care is available right here in Huntington Beach.
📞 Call us at (714) 839-8000 or request an appointment through our contact page.
Let Tran Plastic Surgery help you regain function, comfort, and confidence with specialized treatment for ganglion cysts.
*References:
✍️ OrthoInfo. (2020). Diseases and conditions: Ganglion cyst of the wrist and hand. Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/ganglion-cyst-of-the-wrist-and-hand/
✍️ Watauga Orthopaedics. (2020). Ganglion cysts: Wrist/hand lumps and bumps. Retrieved from https://www.wataugaortho.com/PatientEducation?ctl=View&mid=81675&ContentPubID=90