A ganglion is a cyst that forms on top of a joint, ligament or tendon. The cyst is typically filled with fluid. If the cyst is not cancerous, it may disappear on its own over time. If it is cancerous or causes a lot of pain in the foot or ankle, then it may be recommended that the cyst be surgically removed.

How to remove a ganglion?

The surgical procedure that removes a ganglion is called ganglion resection, which is reserved for when initial conservative treatments do not help. If pain becomes a problem, your podiatrist may recommend aspiration. Aspiration is a procedure to remove the cyst’s fluid through a needle. If the cyst returns, surgery to remove the ganglion might be recommended.

How the procedure works

Ganglion resection is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, so patients are able to return home following the surgery.

You can be given a local or a general anesthetic depending on what the anesthesiologist determines is best. For general anesthetic, you will be completely asleep during the operation, whereas a local anesthetic will allow you to be awake during the procedure, during which you may feel pressure but not any pain.

What happens after surgery?

Your podiatrist will immobilize the foot and ankle in a cast or boot following surgery and will decide whether or not you can walk with the full weight on the foot right away. If you are booted or cannot walk on the foot right away, a wheelchair or crutches may be necessary to help you get around.

Normal activities may be resumed two to six weeks after surgery.

If you find a cyst on your foot, it is important to contact your podiatrist right away for testing. A benign cyst can be harmless but a cancerous cyst can be the beginning of more severe problems. Call Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. Foot doctor Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico and his highly trained team can test your ganglion to see if it is cancerous or noncancerous. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.