Ganglion Cyst: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Surgery Cost in India

Have you ever looked down at your wrist or the top of your foot and noticed a mysterious, pea-sized lump that wasn't there yesterday? If you’ve spent the morning poking at a smooth, jelly-like bump and wondering if you’ve somehow grown an extra bone, you aren't alone. It is a common occurrence, often dubbed the 'Bible Bump' because of an old (and definitely not recommended) folk remedy involving a heavy book.

While finding a sudden growth on your body can be unsettling, the good news is that a ganglion cyst is non-cancerous and, in many cases, entirely harmless. However, when it begins to ache or prevents you from typing, gripping your gym weights, or wearing your favourite shoes, it’s time to understand exactly what you’re dealing with and how to handle it professionally.

What is a Ganglion Cyst?

A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that typically develops near joints or tendons. Think of it like a small water balloon on a stalk; it arises from the lining of a joint or a tendon sheath. Inside is a thick, clear, jelly-like substance called synovial fluid, which normally serves to lubricate your joints.

Where do they appear?

• The Wrist: The most common location, appearing on either the back (dorsal) or the palm side (volar).
• Fingers: Often found at the base of the finger or near the fingernail (mucous cysts).
• Feet and Ankles: Usually on the top of the foot or the outer side of the ankle.

Why Do They Form? 

Medical science hasn't identified a single "smoking gun" cause of these cysts, but the prevailing theory is that they result from a flaw in the joint capsule or tendon sheath. This flaw allows the lubricating fluid to leak out and pool into a sac.

Common Triggers

1. Joint or Tendon Stress: Overuse of a joint, such as repetitive typing or heavy lifting, can cause irritation.
2. Injury: A previous sprain or trauma to the wrist or foot often precedes the appearance of a cyst.
3. Osteoarthritis: Wear-and-tear arthritis in the finger joints can lead to mucous cysts near the nail.

Who is at Risk?

• Gender: Women are three times more likely than men to develop them.
• Age: They most frequently occur in people aged 20 to 40.
• Activity: Gymnasts and athletes who put significant strain on their wrists are at higher risk.

How Do I Know if My Lump is a Ganglion Cyst?

Diagnosis is usually straightforward. A doctor will perform a physical exam, often using a technique called transillumination—shining a light through the lump to see if it is filled with clear fluid (cysts) or solid tissue (which might indicate a different type of growth).

Key Symptoms

• The Bump: It’s usually round or oval. It can be as small as a pea or up to 2.5cm in diameter.
• Fluctuating Size: The cyst may grow larger with increased activity and shrink when you rest the joint.
• Pain: While many are painless, a cyst pressing on a nerve can cause a dull ache, tingling, or muscle weakness.

What are the Treatment Options?

If your ganglion cyst isn't causing pain or restricting your movement, the best "treatment" is often doing nothing at all. Roughly 50% of these cysts disappear on their own over time.

1. Nonsurgical Management

• Observation: The "wait and watch" approach is standard for asymptomatic cysts.
• Immobilisation: Activity makes the cyst grow. Wearing a wrist brace or splint can help the cyst shrink by reducing joint movement.
• Aspiration: A doctor uses a needle to drain the fluid. While this flattens the lump instantly, the "root" of the cyst remains, meaning there is a high chance (about 50-60%) it will return.

2. Surgical Removal (Ganglionectomy)

If the pain is persistent or the cyst interferes with your daily life, surgery is the most effective solution. This involves removing the cyst along with the "stalk" that attaches it to the joint or tendon.

This is typically a day-care procedure, meaning you go home the same day. However, even with surgery, there is a small (about 10-15%) chance of recurrence.

What is the Expected Cost for Treating a Ganglion Cyst? 

When a ganglion cyst transitions from being a mere cosmetic concern to a painful medical issue, the costs of consultations, MRI scans, and potential surgery can accumulate significantly. 

In India, the cost of surgical removal can range from ₹30,000 to ₹50,000, depending on the hospital and city. This is where having a health insurance policy becomes invaluable. Most comprehensive plans cover daycare procedures, such as ganglionectomy. 

Health insurance plans typically provide extensive coverage for these surgeries, ensuring that you don’t have to choose between your financial savings and living with wrist pain.

Wrapping Up

A ganglion cyst might look intimidating, but it is a manageable condition. Whether you choose to let it resolve on its own or opt for medical intervention, the key is to monitor it for changes in size or pain levels. Always consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis to rule out more serious conditions. 

With the right medical advice and the financial safety net of our plan, you can handle these "bumps in the road" with total peace of mind. We at Niva Bupa offer health plans that include pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation care. You benefit from a wide network of more than 10,400 hospitals and a seamless, often cashless, claim process, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery rather than hospital bills.

People Also Ask

1. Can I pop a ganglion cyst at home? 

No, you should never attempt to "pop" or drain the cyst yourself or use the old method of hitting it with a heavy book. Doing so can cause significant internal damage, lead to a serious infection, or harm nearby nerves and blood vessels. Always seek a medical professional for safe removal or drainage.

2. Why does my cyst seem to get bigger after I go to the gym? 

Physical activity increases synovial fluid production, which lubricates your joints during movement. Since the cyst is connected to the joint capsule, this extra fluid can pump into the sac, causing it to swell and feel more tense. Resting the joint usually allows the fluid to recede and the cyst to shrink.

3. Is a ganglion cyst a sign of cancer? 

No, these cysts are strictly benign and non-cancerous, meaning they do not spread to other parts of the body. They are simply fluid-filled sacs rather than solid masses of abnormal cells. However, if a lump is extremely hard, immovable, or changes rapidly, you should have it examined to confirm the diagnosis.

4. Will the cyst come back after surgery? 

While surgery is considered the "gold standard" for permanent removal, there is still a chance of recurrence. This usually happens if the tiny "stalk" or root of the cyst isn't fully removed or if the joint lining remains weak. It is much less likely to return after surgery than after a simple needle aspiration.

5. How long is the recovery time after surgery? 

Most patients can return to light, daily activities within a few days of the procedure. However, you may need to wear a splint for up to two weeks to allow the internal tissues to heal properly. Full strength and range of motion typically return within four to six weeks following targeted physiotherapy.

6. Can a ganglion cyst cause numbness in my fingers? 

Yes, if the cyst is positioned near a peripheral nerve, it can apply direct pressure on the nerve pathway. This often results in a "pins and needles" sensation, localised numbness, or even muscle weakness in the hand or foot. Removing the pressure through treatment usually restores normal sensation.

7. Are there any dietary changes that help? 

Currently, there is no clinical evidence to suggest that specific foods or supplements can prevent or cure these cysts. Since they are structural issues caused by a leak in the joint or tendon lining, they are unaffected by nutrition. Treatment must focus on the physical structure of the cyst rather than dietary adjustments.

8. What happens if a ganglion cyst bursts on its own? 

If the cyst ruptures internally, the jelly-like fluid will simply be absorbed by your body’s lymphatic system over a few days. While the lump will disappear immediately, the sac and its connection to the joint remain. This means there is a high probability that the fluid will eventually collect again and the cyst will return.

9. Do children get these cysts? 

While they are most common in adults aged 20-40, children can also develop them, particularly on the wrist. In paediatric cases, doctors are even more likely to recommend a "wait and watch" approach. This is because cysts in children have a very high rate of disappearing naturally without any surgical intervention.

10. Can I do anything to prevent a ganglion cyst from forming? 

Since the exact cause is unknown, there is no guaranteed way to prevent them from occurring. However, you can reduce your risk by avoiding repetitive strain on your joints and using ergonomic supports if your work involves constant wrist movement. If you have a history of these cysts, wearing a protective brace during heavy lifting or high-impact sports can help prevent the joint irritation that often triggers their growth.

11. Does a ganglion cyst show up on an X-ray? 

Because a ganglion cyst is filled with fluid, it does not show up on a standard X-ray, which is designed to capture dense structures like bone. However, doctors often request an X-ray to rule out other issues, such as joint arthritis or bone spurs, that might be causing the lump or pain. To actually see the cyst, an ultrasound or MRI is used, as these imaging tools are far better at visualising soft tissues and fluid.