Ganglion Cyst

A ganglion cyst (plural: ganglia) is a small, fluid-filled lump just below your skin. This type of cyst can develop when you have a tear in the tissue that covers a tendon or joint. This causes the tissue to bulge and create a sac. Another name for a ganglion cyst is a bible cyst.

Ganglia often appear at specific joints. Moving the joint near the cyst may increase swelling and worsen any discomfort you feel. But ganglia aren’t cancerous and are usually harmless. Ganglion cysts typically develop on your:

Wrist: On the front or back.
Finger: Near any finger joint (close to your palm or just below your fingernail).
Foot: Close to your ankle or near your toes.

Some ganglion (pronounced “gang-glee-uhn”) cysts are so small that you may not see an obvious lump under your skin, but they still cause pain. They are known as occult ganglions. Your healthcare provider may order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test or an ultrasound to reveal them.

How common are ganglia?

Many people get ganglion cysts. Bible cysts are some of the most common benign (noncancerous) masses that develop in your body’s soft tissues.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

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Diagnosis & treatment

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