Most ganglion cysts will go away on their own within a year, without any treatment.

If your ganglion cyst isn’t painful and doesn’t impact how you use your hands or wrists, your healthcare provider may suggest that you keep monitoring the ganglion cyst and return to see them if there are any changes or if you have any concerns.

In specific cases, you may be referred to a specialist for aspiration or surgery:

• Aspiration. Aspiration is when the fluid in the ganglion cyst is drained with a needle. It is sometimes done with an ultrasound. Aspiration can make your ganglion cyst smaller or may get rid of it completely. Your healthcare team can try aspiration up to 3 times. If major symptoms do not go away after 3 aspirations, or if aspiration can’t be done, you may be referred to a specialist. Some types of ganglion cysts should not be aspirated, like those on the palm side of the wrist or close to the fingernail.
• Surgery. If you are referred for surgery to remove a ganglion cyst, the specialist will meet with you to discuss your health concerns, examine your hands, and discuss options with you. Ganglion cysts are not removed for cosmetic reasons (because of how they look).

Ganglion cysts can come back after aspiration or surgery.

Ask your healthcare provider about the referral criteria for a specialist.

Ongoing care at home

• Do not try to smash a ganglion cyst with a book or other heavy object. You may break a bone or injure your wrist, and the ganglion cyst may return anyway.
• Do not poke the ganglion cyst with a pin or other sharp object to drain the fluid. You could cause an infection.
• If your ganglion cyst breaks open on its own and your skin is broken, keep it clean and dry.