Ganglion
Aspiration
Aspiration is usually carried out in the outpatient department of your local hospital or GP surgery. Your doctor will remove as much of the contents of the ganglion as possible with a needle and syringe.
The area is sometimes also injected with a dose of steroidmedication to help prevent the ganglion returning, although there's no clear evidencethis reduces the risk of recurrence.
After the procedure,a plaster is placed over the small hole in your skin and can be removed about six hours after the procedure.
Aspiration is a simple and painless procedure, and you'll be able to leave the hospital or surgery straight afterwards. It's often the first treatment option offered for ganglion cysts as it's less invasive than surgery.
However,aroundhalf ofallganglion cysts treated using aspiration return at some point. If a cyst does return, surgery may be necessary.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that develops near a joint or tendon. The cyst can range from the size of a pea to the size of a golf ball.
Treatment options
Treatment is usually only recommended if the cyst causes pain or affects the range of movement in a joint.The two main treatment options for a ganglion cyst are: draining fluid out of the cyst with a
Availability on the NHS
Mostclinical commissioninggroups (CCGs)don't fund treatment for ganglion cysts unless they cause significant pain or disrupt daily activities.If you want to have a cyst removed for cosmetic reasons, y
Aspiration
Aspiration is usually carried out in the outpatient department of your local hospital or GP surgery. Your doctor will remove as much of the contents of the ganglion as possible with a needle and syrin
Surgery
There are two ways surgery can be used to remove a ganglion cyst: open surgery where the surgeon makes a medium-sized cut, usually about 5cm (2 inches) long,over the site of the affected joint or tend
After the operation
The surgeon will stitch up the wound and a bandage will be placed over the area. This helps keep the area clean,reducing the risk of infection, as well as keeping it safe from any accidental bumps. Th
Complications
Having a ganglion cyst removed is a minor procedure, so complications are rare and seldom serious. However, a small number of people experience permanent stiffness and pain after surgery.If you have t
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