A ganglion cyst is a tumor or swelling on top of a joint. It appears as a fluid-filled lump that changes in size and may appear after an injury. Other common symptoms of ganglion cyst include:
Swelling that may arise over time or suddenly. The cyst may get smaller in size and may even go away, only to come back after some time
Non-stop or aching pain that is made worse by joint motion when the cyst is connected to a tendon
A sense of weakness in the affected finger
Nonsurgical treatment options for ganglion cysts include wrist splinting and exercises to strengthen the wrist and improve the range of motion and aspiration. However, surgery may be considered if the mass is painful, interferes with a person's daily activities or if numbness or tingling of the hand or fingers occurs.