Ganglion cyst

Your ganglion removal surgery cost in the UK will differ depending on where you receive treatment and which consultant you choose.

The cost of private ganglion removal surgery with Circle Health Group starts from around £3,075*.

Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fees are charged separately.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over 10 months to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 14.9% APR.

If you have private health insurance, ganglion removal surgery will usually be covered by your provider. Speak to your insurer directly to find out.

*This is a guide price for patients who are paying for their own treatment. The actual cost of your treatment will be confirmed in writing at the time of booking.

Ganglion cysts happen when synovial fluid leaks out of a nearby joint or tendon causing the tissue to bulge out. The exact cause of ganglion cysts is unknown, but they may be caused by trauma or underlying arthritis.

You are more likely to develop a ganglion cyst if you are:

• Aged 20 to 40
• Female
• Have osteoarthritis
• Have had a previous injury to a joint or tendon

Small ganglion cysts called mucous cysts can develop on the fingers. These are more common in women aged between 40 and 70 and are linked to arthritis of the finger.

Symptoms of a ganglion cyst may include:

• A smooth lump under the skin
• Swelling that may come on suddenly or get worse over time
• Your cyst may get smaller, disappear, and then come back
• Pain that may get worse when you move the affected joint
• Restricted movement in the affected joint
• If the cyst is attached to a tendon, you may experience weakness in the affected finger

Do I need ganglion surgery?

If your ganglion is not bothering you, it may be best to leave it alone. About 50% of ganglion cysts disappear without treatment, but this can take between 12 and 18 months.

You should consider treatment if your ganglion cyst:

• Is painful
• Limits your movement, making it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks
• If the appearance of your ganglion cyst bothers you or makes you feel self-conscious

At your first consultation, your consultant will ask you some questions about your general health and symptoms including:

• How long you have had your ganglion for
• Whether or not it's painful
• Whether it restricts your movement
• Whether it changes in size

Your consultant will then examine your ganglion cyst which may include:

• Applying firm pressure to the lump to see if it is painful or tender
• Shining a light on the cyst to see if it is filled with fluid or is a solid lump

How is a diagnosis made?

Ganglions are normally diagnosed by assessing your symptoms and performing a physical examination. In some cases, your consultant may order further tests to confirm your diagnosis including:

• Needle aspiration: your consultant may use a fine needle and syringe to draw out and examine the fluid
• Ultrasound: this can determine whether the lump is solid, or fluid-filled
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan): this may be used to diagnose an occult ganglion that isn't visible or can't be felt during physical examination

Why is this first consultation so important?

At Circle Health Group, your first appointment will usually be with a consultant orthopaedic surgeon. This is a surgeon that specialises in conditions affecting the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

Your first appointment is very important as it's where we perform all the necessary tests and examinations, provide a diagnosis, and discuss possible treatment options. We also get to know you and your expectations for treatment and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. It is very important to us that you are as well-informed and comfortable as possible before, during, and after your treatment.

After your consultant has examined your ganglion and received the results of any test, they will discuss possible treatment options with you. Treatments for ganglion cysts include:

Leaving the ganglion alone

If your ganglion is not impacting your life either by causing you pain or limiting your movement, it may be best to leave it alone and monitor your cyst to see if it gets better or worse. This is known as watchful waiting.

Immobilisation

Moving the affected area can cause your ganglion to get bigger and may increase pressure on the nerves causing pain. Immobilising the area in a brace or splint can help relieve pain and reduce the size of your ganglion. Your consultant may also prescribe exercises to strengthen the joint and increase your range of motion.

Draining fluid from the ganglion (aspiration)

Draining the fluid from the cyst relieves pain and pressure on the affected joint or tendon and allows you to move the joint more easily. This is normally the first treatment for ganglion cysts as it is less invasive than surgery. One of the downsides of this treatment is that in around half of all cases the cyst can come back as the root of the ganglion has not been removed. If this occurs, surgery may be an option.

Surgery to remove the cyst

This may be recommended if you have severe pain and reduced movement and other methods like aspiration haven't worked.

Your consultant will explain all of the treatment options to you and answer any questions you may have. They will recommend the most suitable option for you based on your symptoms, general health, and personal circumstances.

If your ganglion is painful or is restricting your movement, ganglion removal surgery is effective at eliminating these symptoms. Ganglion removal surgery also makes it less likely that your ganglion will come back.

Your consultant will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your surgery. Tell your surgeon about any long-term health problems, or allergies you have, and any regular medications you are taking.

Your consultant may tell you to stop taking some medications such as blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before your operation. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during your procedure.

If you are having a general anaesthetic, you will not be able to eat or drink anything from midnight on the day of your surgery.

After your surgery, you may have some pain or discomfort and your wrist may be in a sling for a few days. Try to arrange for someone to check in on you or help with tasks like cooking and cleaning during this time.

There are two types of surgery to remove a ganglion cyst.

Open surgery

Open surgery is where the cyst is removed through incisions in the skin.

Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery

This is where instruments and a camera are inserted through tiny incisions to remove the cyst.

Surgery to remove a ganglion cyst is a minor procedure that typically takes around fifteen to thirty minutes. It is usually performed under local anaesthetic which will numb the area and stop you from feeling any pain.

The surgeon will make a small incision (cut) or incisions at the site of the cyst. The cyst is separated from the surrounding tendons, nerves, and blood vessels and from where it attaches to the joint. The cyst is removed, and the wound is sutured or glued closed. A sterile dressing is applied to the wound.

The exact details of ganglion surgery are different for everyone, and your surgery depends on a variety of factors such as your general health, symptoms, and preference. Talk to your consultant about what to expect during your operation.

After your ganglion removal surgery, you can normally go home the same day. You will be given painkillers to help with any post-operative pain.

If your surgery was on your wrist, your arm will be put in a sling for a few days to protect it and help to reduce swelling. You may need to have physiotherapy and be given exercises to strengthen your muscles after surgery.

You will not be able to drive yourself home after your surgery, so ask someone to collect you, or we can arrange a taxi if you prefer. You can drive when you feel safe to do so.

If you have a manual job that involves lifting or driving, you may need to take some time off work. Ask your consultant about when you can expect to return to work after surgery.

When will I be back to normal?

Everyone recovers differently from surgery. How quickly you recover depends on several factors including your general health, the type of surgery you had, and whether there were any complications during your surgery.

It's important to follow your surgeon's instructions after your surgery and allow yourself to recover at your own pace. Trying to do things before you are ready may cause further problems and delay your recovery.

It normally takes between two and six weeks to recover fully from ganglion cyst removal surgery. Your consultant will be able to give you a more personalised timeline for recovery based on your individual circumstances.

All surgery carries a risk of complications. Before your surgery, your consultant will perform a complete physical examination and perform some pre-operative tests to reduce the risks as much as possible.

You can also reduce your risk of complications by being as healthy as possible before your surgery. These include:

• Stopping smoking
• Sticking to safe limits when drinking alcohol
• Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
• Losing weight if you need to
• Having a positive mental attitude

H3: Some general risks of surgery may include:

• Shock
• Blood loss
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Chest problems
• Problems passing urine (urinary retention)
• Allergic reaction to anaesthesia

Ganglion cyst removal is a minor procedure, so risks and complications are rare, and not usually serious.

Some possible risks and complications of ganglion cyst removal surgery include:

• Pain and stiffness that may be permanent
• Loss of grip strength
• If you have a general anaesthetic, there is a small risk of problems with your heart or lungs
• Infection at the surgery site
• Development of an abnormal mass of nerves called a neuroma
• A thick red scar that may remain numb after surgery
• Damage to the nerves or arteries 
• The cyst may come back after surgery, though this is less common than after fluid aspiration

Your consultant will discuss all the possible risks and complications before your surgery. Use this time to ask any questions or discuss any concerns you may have. The better informed you are, the more comfortable you will feel and the easier it will be to make an informed decision.

We answer some of your most commonly asked questions about ganglion cysts.

Can I drain a ganglion cyst myself?

No. Attempting to drain a ganglion cyst yourself is not only unlikely to work, it can also cause further injury or infection and the cyst may well come back. If you find a lump anywhere on your body, make an appointment with a doctor.

Will hitting my ganglion cyst with a heavy object make it go away?

It's a common myth that hitting a ganglion cyst with an object like a heavy book will cure it. In reality, you could cause further damage to the nearby bones and tissues or cause an infection. If you notice a new lump anywhere on your body, see your doctor for advice.

What is inside a ganglion cyst?

A ganglion cyst is filled with a clear, jelly-like fluid called synovial fluid. This is a natural fluid made by your body that cushions and lubricates your joints.

Do ganglion cysts go away?

Yes. Around half of all ganglion cysts disappear without treatment. If your ganglion cyst is not troubling you, it may be best to leave it alone, but speak to your doctor for advice. If your ganglion cyst is painful, making it difficult for you to move, or its appearance is bothering you, treatment may be recommended.

What is the best treatment for a ganglion cyst?

The best treatment for a ganglion cyst depends on where the cyst is, how severe it is, and what treatments you have tried before. Your orthopaedic consultant will advise you on the best option for treatment.

Are ganglion cysts painful?

Most ganglion cysts are not painful, but if they are putting pressure on a nerve, they may cause pain. If your ganglion cyst is painful, make an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon to discuss treatment options.

Can a ganglion cyst burst?

Yes. A ganglion cyst can burst, especially if you hit it, or knock it during strenuous activity such as sport. If your ganglion cyst bursts, the fluid spreads into the tissues under the skin and is eventually absorbed into your bloodstream. The affected area will be red, sore, and swollen for a few days.

If your ganglion cyst bursts:

• Elevate the area when possible
• Apply ice packs wrapped in a cloth
• Take over-the-counter painkillers - your pharmacist can recommend one
• If the pain, redness, and swelling are getting worse, or not getting better after a few days, make an appointment with a doctor

At Circle Health Group we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group you can expect the highest standards of care including:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant best suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard
• A range of delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about ganglion cyst removal, book your appointment today or call a member of our team directly on 0141 300 5009.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in November 2022. Next review due November 2025.

Ganglion cyst, NHS
Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist and Hand, OrthoInfo
Ganglion cyst, PubMed
Treatment of Ganglion Cysts, PubMed  
Ganglion Cyst, NHS inform