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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffGanglion cysts generally are:
- Raised lumps near your wrist or finger joints
- Round, firm and smooth
- Fixed in one place but may "give" a little when you push against them
- A little more than an inch (3 centimeters) in diameter
- Variable in size depending on your activity level, becoming larger when you use the affected joint and growing smaller when you're at rest
- Painless, although in some cases the cysts may put pressure on the nerves near the joint, which can cause pain, weakness or numbness in your hand
Occasionally, the telltale lump that indicates a ganglion cyst isn't visible. Often the only indication of these smaller, "hidden" ganglion cysts (occult ganglions) is pain.
When to see a doctor
If you experience a noticeable lump or pain in your wrist, hand or foot, see your doctor. He or she can make a diagnosis and determine whether you need treatment.
