In many cases, ganglion cysts go away by themselves without the need for medical treatment. Treatment options include surgery or draining the cyst with a needle.
Many ganglion cysts go away without medical treatment. Doctors often decide to "watch and wait" to see if a cyst goes away or doesn't get worse, especially if it's not painful. Up to 90% of ganglion cysts in young children will go away on their own within 1 year.
Your doctor may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen to help ease any discomfort. The most common non-surgical treatment for ganglion cysts is aspiration, in which a hole is made in the cyst and the fluid is sucked out. This method does not remove the entire cyst, just its contents.
However, if the cyst growth presses on the nerves nearby, ganglion cysts can cause muscle weakness, tingling and pain. Even without causing pain, larger cysts may cause appearance concerns. Ganglion cysts aren't dangerous or cancerous, and often go away on their own without treatment.
The cysts are not cancerous, and they are usually harmless. If they cause pain, make it hard to use the joint, or are especially unsightly, they may be removed. ... Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous, but how they form is unclear.
1. Immobilization. Because activity can cause the ganglion cyst to get larger, it may help to temporarily immobilize the area with a brace or splint. ...
2. Aspiration. In this procedure, your doctor uses a needle to drain the fluid from the cyst. ...
3. Surgery. This may be an option if other approaches haven't worked.