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What are the Different Methods of Ganglion Removal?

Harriette Halepis
Harriette Halepis

There are two different types of ganglion removal: aspiration and excision. Both types of ganglion removal are relatively safe, and very few complications arise from either method. Each of these two removal methods can be performed within a doctor's office, and both procedures only last for a short amount of time.

When aspiration is chosen as, a large needle attached to a syringe is inserted into the cyst. By extracting the fluid that is inside of the cyst, the cyst is temporarily removed. This ganglion removal process takes approximately thirty minutes to complete. Patients who undergo an aspiration procedure often leave a doctor's office with a small bandage, though this procedure is relatively painless.

A scalpel may be used to remove a cyst.
A scalpel may be used to remove a cyst.

Excision of a cyst is slightly more complex than an aspiration procedure. Large cysts must be removed through the excision method. This procedure also takes place within a doctor's office, though a local or regional anesthetic is used. After determining the exact size and shape of a cyst, a doctor will attempt to remove the cyst with a scalpel. Once the cyst has been removed, sutures are then applied to the incision. Patients must remain within a doctor's office for up to thirty minutes following an excision procedure.

Ganglion cysts can be removed by cutting them out or by draining their fluid with a syringe.
Ganglion cysts can be removed by cutting them out or by draining their fluid with a syringe.

After either ganglion removal procedure, patients should avoid any kind of strenuous physical activity for up to forty-eight hours. Additionally, any kind of repetitive motion should be avoided. Patients who have undergone excision surgery may find it difficult to move the affected area for one to two weeks. In either case, a follow-up doctor's appointment should be made in order to ensure proper healing.

A person can develop one large ganglion cyst or several smaller ones.
A person can develop one large ganglion cyst or several smaller ones.

People who have recurring cysts following repeated aspiration attempts may want to consider excision. If a cyst has not been entirely removed during aspiration, it can reappear. While a cyst is not dangerous to one's health, this type of growth can be bothersome. Cysts largely occur due to joint trauma or tissue deterioration, though the precise cause of a ganglion cyst is unknown.

A ganglion cyst is sometimes referred to as a Bible bump, because an old cure called for hitting the bump with a Bible.
A ganglion cyst is sometimes referred to as a Bible bump, because an old cure called for hitting the bump with a Bible.

While excision is the most effective type of ganglion removal, aspiration is the method chosen by most people. In either case, it is not necessary to remove a ganglion cyst unless the cyst becomes painful or extremely unsightly. Even though all ganglion cysts are benign, any large skin formation should be thoroughly examined by a medical professional.

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    • A scalpel may be used to remove a cyst.
      By: iofoto
      A scalpel may be used to remove a cyst.
    • Ganglion cysts can be removed by cutting them out or by draining their fluid with a syringe.
      By: psdesign1
      Ganglion cysts can be removed by cutting them out or by draining their fluid with a syringe.
    • A person can develop one large ganglion cyst or several smaller ones.
      By: maska82
      A person can develop one large ganglion cyst or several smaller ones.
    • A ganglion cyst is sometimes referred to as a Bible bump, because an old cure called for hitting the bump with a Bible.
      By: manaemedia
      A ganglion cyst is sometimes referred to as a Bible bump, because an old cure called for hitting the bump with a Bible.
    • Some believe that repetitive motion injuries, such as those often suffered by factory workers, can lead to ganglion cysts.
      By: Kadmy
      Some believe that repetitive motion injuries, such as those often suffered by factory workers, can lead to ganglion cysts.