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What does a lump on the side of your wrist mean?
If you have an annoying and sometimes painful, lump on your wrist, most likely it’s a ganglion cyst. Ganglion cysts are usually harmless. The soft sacs of fluid often show up on the top or bottom side of the wrist. The cyst can be the size and shape of a pea, but they can sometimes grow larger overtime.
Can a ganglion cyst be on the side of the wrist?
Ganglion cysts, also known as bible cysts, most commonly show up on the back of the hand at the wrist joint but they can also develop on the palm side of the wrist.
Do wrist ganglion cysts go away?
Most ganglion cysts go away without treatment and some re-appear despite treatment. It may take a long time, up to 12 to 18 months, before it disappears. If it is not causing any pain, the health provider may recommend simply watching and waiting.
Can carpal tunnel cause a lump on my wrist?
Carpal boss You may notice a hard bump on the back of your wrist. Sometimes, a carpal boss is mistaken for a ganglion cyst. Carpal bosses can cause pain similar to that of arthritis. This pain can get worse with increased activity.
How do you pop a ganglion cyst on your wrist?
If a cyst is bothersome, painful, or long-lasting, a doctor might “aspirate” (or drain) it with a long needle. In this quick and effective office procedure, a doctor will: Numb the area around the ganglion cyst. Puncture the cyst with a needle, then withdraw the fluid.
When should you see a doctor for a ganglion cyst?
A ganglion cyst usually appears as a visible lump. If it’s large enough to bother you from an appearance standpoint, talk to our experts. The cyst may also put pressure on nerves in the area, causing pain and muscle weakness. If you have these symptoms, definitely make an appointment to come in.
How can you tell the difference between a ganglion cyst and a tumor?
A cyst is a sac of tissue that is filled with another substance, such as air or fluid. Tumors are solid masses of tissue. Cysts can form anywhere on the body, including on the bones and soft tissues. Most cysts are noncancerous, although there are some exceptions.