Exams and Tests

A physical exam is often all that is needed to diagnose a ganglion cyst.

• Your doctor may get further confirmation by using a syringe to draw out some of the fluid in the cyst (needle aspiration) or ultrasound. Ultrasound is a type of sound x-ray. It can determine whether the bump is fluid-filled (cystic) or if it is solid. Ultrasound can also detect whether there is an artery or blood vessel causing the lump.
  
  
• Your doctor may send you to a hand surgeon if the bump is solid or involves a blood vessel (artery).
  
  
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to see the wrist and is very useful for ganglions. One drawback to this diagnostic method is the cost of the procedure.