See also: Parent/Carer information leaflet
Ganglions are the most common swelling around the wrist. They occur commonly in children and usually disappear on their own. They often cause parents and families concern but in almost all cases no intervention is required.
They occur most commonly on the dorsal aspect of the wrist or the base of the long fingers on the palmar aspect. They can however appear adjacent to any joint. It is not unusual to complain of some pain from time to time but usually this is self-limiting and not severe. Simple analgesia and application of ice may be helpful. They are not a sign of an underlying problem.
For the vast majority therefore we like to pass on our reassurance that it is quite safe to simply observe this and usually the cyst settles down over time.
The main issue with ganglions is being confident with the diagnosis. The following criteria are reassuring and strongly suggest a simple ganglion:
- Rapid appearance but comes and goes
- Smooth not fixed to overlying skin
- Typical location on dorsum of wrist
- May be fluctuant but can feel quite hard
- Transluminates
Usually a ganglion is a clinical diagnosis.