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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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Surgery

Ganglion cysts are the second most common elective referral to a surgeon, carpal tunnel being the first. Surgical removal of the cyst is needed when the mass is painful, interferes with function (especially when the dominant hand is involved), or causes numbness or tingling of the hand or fingers. Surgery can involve simple removal of the cysts through a small incision in which a camera (arthroscope) is inserted to view the area or through a larger incision allowing the cysts and surrounding area to be seen directly. Arthroscopic surgery is becoming more common because of the smaller resultant scar and shorter healing times from the smaller incision.