Ganglion Cyst Treatment in Hyderabad
Noticed a lump on your wrist or hand? Get expert evaluation and treatment for ganglion cysts from a fellowship-trained hand surgeon at Apollo Hospitals Financial District.
20-30 minutes
<10% with surgery
₹25,000 - ₹45,000
What is a Ganglion Cyst?
A ganglion cyst is a non-cancerous, fluid-filled lump that most commonly develops along the tendons or joints of the wrist and hand. The cyst contains a thick, jelly-like fluid similar to joint fluid. Ganglion cysts are the most common type of soft tissue tumor in the hand, accounting for 50-70% of all hand masses.
The most common location is the dorsal wrist (back of the wrist), followed by the volar wrist (palm side), and base of the fingers. They can range in size from pea-sized to over 2cm and may fluctuate in size depending on activity levels.
While the exact cause is unknown, ganglion cysts are thought to arise from degeneration or weakening of the joint capsule or tendon sheath. They are more common in women and typically occur between ages 15-40. Dr. Deepthi Nandan Reddy at Apollo Hospitals provides comprehensive evaluation to rule out other causes and determine the best treatment approach.
Symptoms of Ganglion Cysts
• Visible lump on wrist, hand, or finger
• Size fluctuation - may grow or shrink
• Soft and smooth to touch
• Usually painless unless pressing on structures
• May transilluminate (light passes through)
• Pain with movement or pressure
• Weakness in grip (nerve compression)
• Numbness or tingling in fingers
• Limiting activities or function
• Cosmetic concern
Treatment Options
If the ganglion is small, painless, and doesn't limit function, observation is a valid option. Up to 50% of ganglion cysts resolve spontaneously within 2 years. Regular monitoring ensures no changes occur.
- Office procedure using a needle to drain fluid from the cyst
- May include steroid injection to reduce recurrence
- Success rate: 50% (high recurrence rate)
- Cost: ₹3,000 - ₹5,000
- Best for: Patients wanting to avoid surgery, recurrent cysts after aspiration benefit from surgical excision
Indications:
- Failed aspiration or recurrence after aspiration
- Painful cyst affecting daily activities
- Nerve compression symptoms
- Patient preference for definitive treatment
Procedure: Complete removal of cyst along with its stalk (pedicle) through a small incision. Takes 20-30 minutes under local or regional anaesthesia.
Success rate: Over 90% with less than 10% recurrence when the stalk is properly excised.
Recovery After Ganglion Cyst Removal
Rest & Elevate
Keep hand elevated, mild discomfort
Early Recovery
Suture removal, begin gentle movements
Return to Activities
Normal daily activities, avoid heavy strain
Full Recovery
Complete healing, return to all activities
Ganglion Cyst Treatment Cost in Hyderabad
Treatment Costs
- Aspiration₹3,000 - ₹5,000
- Surgical Excision₹25,000 - ₹45,000
- Large/Complex Cysts₹40,000 - ₹55,000
Insurance
Ganglion cyst surgery is typically covered by health insurance when causing symptoms or functional limitation. Cashless treatment available at Apollo Hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ganglion cyst?+
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled, non-cancerous lump that commonly develops on the wrist or hand. It contains thick, jelly-like fluid and arises from a joint capsule or tendon sheath. Ganglions are the most common soft tissue tumors of the hand and wrist.
Do ganglion cysts need to be removed?+
Not always. If the cyst is small, painless, and doesn't interfere with function, observation is acceptable. Treatment is recommended if the cyst is painful, limits wrist/finger movement, compresses a nerve, or is cosmetically concerning. Up to 50% may resolve spontaneously.
How much does ganglion cyst removal cost in Hyderabad?+
Ganglion cyst removal surgery in Hyderabad costs approximately ₹25,000 to ₹45,000 depending on the size and location. Aspiration (needle drainage) costs ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 but has a 50% recurrence rate. Surgical excision has less than 10% recurrence.
Will a ganglion cyst come back after surgery?+
Surgical excision has a recurrence rate of 5-10%, much lower than aspiration (50%). Complete removal of the cyst along with its stalk (pedicle) reduces recurrence risk. Dr. Reddy performs meticulous excision to minimize recurrence.
Is ganglion cyst removal painful?+
The surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort is mild and managed with oral pain medications. Most patients can use their hand normally within 1-2 weeks.
YOUR TREATING SURGEON
Dr. Deepthi Nandan Reddy
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic & Upper-Limb Surgeon | Apollo Hospitals
Why Choose Dr. Deepthi Nandan Reddy?
International fellowship training combined with decades of experience delivering world-class upper limb care
UK CCT
Certificate of Completion of Training - One of few Indian surgeons with NHS Consultant experience
FRCS (UK)
Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh & UK
Mayo Clinic Fellow
British Shoulder & Elbow Society - Mayo Clinic Travelling Fellowship
SESI President
President, Shoulder & Elbow Society of India
30+ Years Experience
15,000+ patients treated, 5,000+ surgeries performed
Published Researcher
Co-author of Operative Elbow Surgery, international conference faculty
Dr. Reddy's Specialty Clinics
Comprehensive Upper Limb Care
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