I'm told i have a ganglion cyst but i don't see a bump, could it be something else?

Yes: Many things can resemble a ganglion cyst. It's not uncommon for a surgeon to go operate on a "ganglion cyst" and found something entirely different.

Dr Mallia agreed

Yes: If the problem is located at the wrist, comes & goes, & involves little or no pain, but enlarges or shrinks depending on the use of the hand, it is probably a ganglion cyst. These cysts develop when a tear occurs in the small joint ligaments/capsule &joint lubricant leaks. Treatment involves a brief operation to remove the cyst, & repair the joint capsule.Can be confused with radial artery anuerysm.

Yes: Can be confused with radial artery anuerysm, tendon thickening, solid tumor of tendon, ligament, fat, inflamed joint tissue, or a bone prominence. Any surgeon familiar with the anatomy of the hand & wrist should be able to distinguish these , one from the others.

Yes: Ganglion cysts can sometimes disappear spontaneously. If you were told that you had a ganglion cyst, a lump must have been present at some time--that is the only way a ganglion cyst can be diagnosed.

Dr Cohen agreed

Yes: Yes, it can be something else but an MRI is usually very good at picking up cysts that can not be seen. A cyst does not always cause symtoms. That is why you need a good clinician.

Dr Saghafi and another doctor agreed

Yes: Most likely the ganglion cyst (which is associated with the synovial shealth) is felt by the doctor. They can change position and size slightly, which will permit it to be also visually noted. Usually are treated if they become large or symptomatic.

Yes: You could have a bone cyst or you could have tendonitis occurring. Usually , a ganglion cyst will be palpable through the skin , and if you hold a small penlight to it, it will trans-iluminate. Some physicians will try to aspirate the gel like fluid from the cyst and then inject a small amount of steroid solution to try to shrink it. A more definitive exam would be an mri, but these are rather costly.

Could be: Antonia, not all ganglion cysts are visible on physical exam - some have to be diagnosed by mri. A hand surgeon should be able to give you a better idea of what you have and sometimes the only way to know for sure is to surgically excise the mass.

Depends on: How it was diagnosed.

Dr Amico Jr and another doctor agreed

Imaging?: Ganglion cysts occur on a variety of locations and the diagnosis will depend on findings and may be supported by imaging studies.

Dr Brown agreed