Ganglion cyst

Ganglion cyst: this condition involves the degeneration or damage of tissue surrounding a joint which leads to joint fluid filling up in the tissue.

The swelling can occur in any joint space, but most commonly occurs on the back of the wrist or on the palm of the wrist at the base of the thumb. Signs/symptoms include pain, swelling made worse with increased activity, and a mobile mass.

Treatment
Treatment initially is conservative or nonsurgical and includes "popping" the cyst with a needle, anti-inflammatory medicines, splinting, activity modification, or no treatment if the cyst is not symptomatic.

Surgery
Surgical intervention is reserved for patients who have continued pain with failure of conservative treatment, or reoccurrences of the mass which interfere with activities.