Cyst Removal in Tucson

What Is Ganglion Cyst Removal?

Ganglion cyst removal, or ganglionectomy, is a surgical procedure aimed at permanently eliminating the cyst from the foot. During the procedure, the cyst is carefully separated from surrounding tissues and removed, keeping the fluid sac intact. Alternatively, ganglion cysts can sometimes be treated by draining the fluid with a needle or syringe.

Why Treatment Is Needed

In some cases, a ganglion cyst may only be noticeable as a lump beneath the skin, with no other symptoms. For many, the primary concern is cosmetic. However, cysts can also cause mild pain due to irritation from footwear pressing against the cyst.

If the cyst is located near a tendon or joint, it may cause a dull, persistent ache. If the cyst presses on a nerve, it can result in sharp pain, tingling, or burning sensations. When ganglion cysts are connected to surrounding soft tissue, surgical removal is usually recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence.

How Ganglion Cyst Removal Is Done

Depending on the severity and location of the cyst, it can be treated in different ways:

1. Needle Aspiration For cysts that don’t resolve on their own, needle aspiration is a common treatment. This involves inserting a needle to drain the fluid from the cyst. A steroid injection may also be given to reduce inflammation and prevent the cyst from refilling. This method is simple, but there is a higher chance of the cyst returning.
2. Surgical Removal If other treatments are unsuccessful, surgical removal is often recommended. This method offers a lower recurrence rate than aspiration. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions around the cyst to remove it while ensuring the fluid sac is taken out intact. Recovery time is typically quick.

Surgical removal provides a more permanent solution to ganglion cysts, ensuring less chance of the cyst returning compared to other treatment options.