A ganglion cyst is a smooth, harmless lump filled with jelly-like fluid that grows from a joint or tendon lining, most often on the back of the wrist. Many cause no pain, and around half go away on their own without treatment. If a ganglion is painful or bothersome, draining it or surgical removal are options, but both can be followed by the lump coming back.
Also known as ganglion, wrist ganglion, Bible bump
Symptoms
- A smooth, round lump, usually on the back or palm side of the wrist
- The lump may change size, growing with activity and shrinking with rest
- Often painless, but can ache, especially when the wrist is bent
- Tingling or weakness if the lump presses on a nearby nerve
- A small, firm, tender pea-sized lump at the base of a finger when gripping
Causes and risk factors
- Fluid leaking from a joint or tendon sheath and collecting in a sac
- More common in women and in people aged 15 to 40
- Sometimes follows an injury or strain to the wrist
- Wear and tear in a nearby joint, especially near finger-end joints in older adults
- Often no clear cause
What the evidence says helps
- Watchful waiting is reasonable for painless ganglions. Across studies, around half resolved without any treatment.1
- Draining the fluid with a needle (aspiration) can give short-term relief, but the lump came back in around half to two thirds of cases. Adding a steroid injection did not clearly improve results.12
- Surgical removal leads to fewer recurrences than aspiration, but some still return and surgery carries a risk of complications such as scarring, stiffness or nerve irritation.24
- In children, splinting and aspiration were not associated with better resolution than simply watching the lump over time.3
Things you can try at home
- If it is not painful, it is fine to leave it alone and keep using your wrist normally
- Do not try to burst it by pressing hard or hitting it, as this can cause injury
- Reduce activities that make it ache, and take regular breaks
- A wrist support for short periods may make painful tasks more comfortable
- Keep an eye on its size, and see a GP if it changes quickly
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- See a GP promptly if the lump is growing quickly, feels hard or fixed, or is painful at rest
- Seek same-day advice from NHS 111 or your GP if the lump or the skin over it becomes red, hot or swollen, or you feel unwell
- See a GP if you develop numbness, tingling or weakness in your hand
- See a GP if a lump appears after an injury and is very painful or limits movement
How Apollo can help
We can examine a wrist lump, explain what a ganglion is and talk through the natural course, which often means reassurance is all that is needed. If wrist stiffness or weakness is part of the picture, we can provide advice and exercises. We do not drain or remove ganglions, so if the lump is painful, affecting a nerve or unlike a typical ganglion, we will advise you to see your GP for further tests or a referral to a hand surgeon.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Will a ganglion cyst go away on its own?
Often, yes. Studies suggest around half disappear without treatment, although this can take months or longer. If it is not painful, leaving it alone is a reasonable choice.
Should I hit a ganglion with a book?
No. This old remedy can injure the wrist and the lump often comes back. If a ganglion is bothering you, see a GP or clinician to discuss safer options.
Is a ganglion cyst cancer?
Ganglions are not cancer and do not spread. However, any lump that grows quickly, feels hard or fixed, or is painful at rest should be checked by a GP to confirm what it is.
References
- Gude W, Morelli V (2008). Ganglion cysts of the wrist: pathophysiology, clinical picture, and management. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. View source
- Head L, et al. (2015). Wrist ganglion treatment: systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Hand Surgery. View source
- Shanks C, et al. (2022). The efficacy of nonsurgical and surgical interventions in the treatment of pediatric wrist ganglion cysts. Journal of Hand Surgery. View source
- Horvath A, et al. (2022). Treatment of primary dorsal wrist ganglion: a systematic review. Journal of Wrist Surgery. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
