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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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Many ganglion cysts (38%-58%) can disappear without any treatment at all.

Various treatments have been proposed over the years. Some include telling people with cysts without symptoms not to worry, using a needle to remove the cyst's contents (aspiration), or surgery.

• Aspiration usually includes placing a needle into the cyst, drawing the liquid material out, injecting a steroid compound (which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent), and then splinting the wrist to keep it from moving.
• Studies have shown up to 74% of people are cured after having the fluid drawn out with a needle one time.
• If you have the fluid drawn out three times, your possibility of being cured goes up to 85%, particularly with a cyst on the back of the hand.
• If you compare aspiration/injection and surgical removal, in general, cysts return less often after surgery.

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