Ganglion cysts are fluid filled masses within the hand and wrist that arise from joints or tendons. They are very  common and can be found at the top of the wrist and the palm side of the wrist.

Symptoms: The diagnosis is usually made based on location and its appearance. They are usually soft and round or oval. Light will often pass through the cyst, known as trans-illumination. These cysts may change in size or come and go. Often, they are not painful. Sometimes imaging studies are performed to confirm the diagnosis. 

Treatment: Surgery or aspiration of the cyst may be recommended. Aspiration is a very simple procedure, but recurrence of the cyst is common. Surgery is performed in the main operating room. The cyst along with a portion of the joint capsule is removed. Surgical treatment is generally successful although cysts can recur.