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Medical Author:

Elisa E. Aumont, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Ganglion Cyst Symptoms and Signs

• The ganglion cyst usually appears as a bump (mass) that changes size.



• It is usually soft, anywhere from 1-3 cm in diameter (about .4-1.2 inches) and doesn't move.



• The swelling may appear over time or appear suddenly, may get smaller in size, and may even go away, only to come back at another time.



• Most ganglion cysts cause some degree of pain, usually following acute or repetitive trauma, but up to 35% are without symptoms, except for appearance.



• The pain is usually nonstop, aching, and made worse by joint motion.



• When the cyst is connected to a tendon, you may feel a sense of weakness in the affected finger.