Ganglions are fluid-filled lumps that develop under the skin, near joints and tendons. Ganglion cysts can be uncomfortable and unsightly.
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What is it for?
For the removal of ganglion cysts under the skin, near joints and tendons
Ganglion cyst excision consultation at The London Clinic
Ganglion surgery removes the lump, eases any discomfort, and offers the best chance of preventing the ganglion from returning.
The London Clinic’s specialist surgeons work in state-of-the-art operating theatres.
They are assisted by an expert multidisciplinary team to support your treatment and rehabilitation.
The orthopaedic surgeons at The London Clinic can perform ganglion cyst removal surgery under local, regional, or general anaesthetic.
The operation takes between 15 and 20 minutes. It is usually a day case procedure, meaning you won’t need to stay in hospital overnight.
Treatment options
Ganglions are harmless, and some go away without treatment, so surgery is not always necessary. However, they can be painful and can impair function, especially when large.
The surgeons can drain ganglion cysts using a fine needle or inject steroids to shrink the swelling; however, they can recur following treatment.
The traditional remedy for ganglions was bashing them with the family bible. However, The London Clinic offers more cutting-edge, evidence-led treatments that are considerably less brutal.
Ganglion cyst consultation at The London Clinic
Our experienced surgeons will assess and advise you in The London Clinic’s comfortable and well-equipped consulting rooms.
They will take a detailed medical history, examine your ganglion, and ask about the impact your symptoms have on your wellbeing and function.
In consultation with you, they will then plan your ganglion cyst removal. They will take the time to answer all your questions and address any concerns.
FAQs
Most people can go home on the day of ganglion surgery. The London Clinic’s team will provide support as you recover and arrange follow-up to assess your progress.
The wound will be dressed and bandaged to protect it as it heals. If the ganglion was on your wrist or hand, the staff might give you a sling to reduce swelling and aid healing.
You should move your fingers or toes regularly to help fluid drain and keep the joints mobile.
Pain is usually minimal; taking regular over-the-counter painkillers can help relieve any discomfort.
The surgeon will monitor your progress and may recommend specialist physiotherapy if you have ongoing pain or stiffness.
They will let you know when you can go back to work; this will depend on the size and position of the ganglion, your general wellbeing, and the type of work you do.
If your job is physical or involves manual labour, it’s sensible to take time off to rest and recover. The London Clinic team will always be on hand if you have any problems or worries.
A ganglion is a smooth lump that is filled with fluid. They develop near joints and tendons, with three-quarters forming near the wrist and others affecting the hands, ankles, and feet.
Ganglions can be as small as a pea or as big as a golf ball. They are filled with synovial fluid, which is the fluid that lubricates and cushions joints and facilitates movement.Â
Ganglions can be uncomfortable. The consultant orthopaedic surgeons at The London Clinic can operate to excise the cyst and restore your function
if your ganglion is large, painful, or affecting your joint movement.
Consultants
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Why choose The London Clinic?
Trusted for over 90 years, The London Clinic is an independent charitable hospital that reinvests into care, research, and support for those who can’t easily access private treatment.
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More patients choose The London Clinic than any other.
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Full intensive care on-site
World-class 13-bed ICU for expert support if your care becomes complex.
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Backed by Northwestern, we equip our teams with cutting-edge medical equipment.
0% Finance Options
We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.