Can a ganglion cyst come back?

Yes: Exact cause of ganglions is not clear. Most common around the wrist, they can occur at any joint. These fluid filled cysts can come and go, by varying how much fluid they contain. Sometimes they rupture on there own. Even after surgery to remove them, they can come back. Recurrence rate after surgery is around 2-3%.

Yes: A ganglion cyst can spontaneously rupture, be successfully aspirated or even surgically removed and recur. The recurrence rate after surgery should be low if done in the or by a hand surgeon.