Have you noticed a soft, round lump near your wrist that seems to come and go? If so, you may be dealing with a ganglion cyst—a common, benign swelling that forms on joints or tendons, most often on the back of the wrist. While generally harmless, ganglion cysts can cause pain, restrict movement, or press on nearby nerves—and that’s when you should consider seeing a specialist.
In this blog, we’ll explain what a ganglion cyst is, why it happens, treatment options available in the Maldives, and why many Maldivian patients travel to India for affordable, expert care with renowned hand surgeon Dr. Binoy.
1. What is a Ganglion Cyst?
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that typically forms near joints or tendons, especially in the wrist, hand, or fingers. It may grow or shrink over time and sometimes disappears on its own.
Key Characteristics:
• Soft or firm, round lump under the skin
• Usually painless, but may ache with joint movement
• Most common on the back (dorsal side) of the wrist
• Can also appear on the palm side, fingers, or ankle
💡 These cysts are non-cancerous but can interfere with hand movement or compress nerves if large.
2. What Causes Ganglion Cysts?
The exact cause is not fully known, but ganglion cysts may be related to:
✅ Joint or tendon irritation
✅ Repeated stress or overuse (common in laborers, athletes, and typists)
✅ Trauma to the joint
✅ Underlying joint conditions, like arthritis
💡 They’re more common in women aged 20–40 and manual workers—which includes many in the Maldives working in hospitality, fishing, or healthcare.
3. Symptoms of a Ganglion Cyst
🟠 Visible swelling near the wrist or hand
🟠 Discomfort or dull pain, especially with movement
🟠 Tingling or numbness (if pressing on a nerve)
🟠 Reduced range of motion
🟠 Changes in size depending on activity
If the cyst interferes with hand function or causes pain, it’s time to consult a specialist.
4. Diagnosis: How Is It Confirmed?
👨⚕️ A clinical exam is usually sufficient. Your doctor may:
• Shine a light through the lump (transillumination)
• Recommend an ultrasound or MRI if the diagnosis is unclear or surgery is planned
5. Treatment Options for Ganglion Cysts in the Maldives
In many cases, no treatment is required if the cyst is painless and not growing. However, for symptomatic cysts:
🔹 Non-Surgical Treatments:
✔ Immobilization (Wrist Brace) – Reduces movement and cyst pressure
✔ Aspiration (Needle Drainage) – Fluid is removed using a syringe (but cysts may return)
✔ Steroid Injections – May reduce inflammation but are not always effective
⚠️ Aspiration has a high recurrence rate (30–70%), and not all clinics in the Maldives are equipped for this.
🔹 Surgical Removal (Excision):
Recommended when:
❌ The cyst is painful or growing
❌ There’s nerve compression causing numbness
❌ The cyst recurs after aspiration
❌ It limits your hand movement
🩺 A small incision is made to remove the entire cyst and stalk, reducing recurrence.
🕒 Recovery:
• Minor surgery (~30 minutes)
• Return to normal activities in 1–2 weeks
• Full recovery with physical therapy if needed
6. Cost Comparison: Maldives vs. India
| Treatment | Cost in Maldives (MVR) | Cost in India (MVR) |
|---|---|---|
| Aspiration | MVR 3,000 – 5,000 | MVR 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Cyst Removal Surgery | MVR 20,000 – 35,000 | MVR 7,000 – 12,000 |
| MRI or Ultrasound | MVR 3,500 – 6,000 | MVR 1,200 – 2,000 |
🏆 Maldivian patients save up to 60–70% by opting for surgery in India.
7. Why Maldivians Choose India for Hand Surgery
While basic treatment is available in the Maldives, specialized hand surgery options are limited.
✅ Lower Costs – Affordable care without compromising on quality
✅ Top Specialist Care – Dr. Binoy is a trusted name in microsurgery
✅ Faster Access – No long waiting times
✅ Comprehensive Follow-up – Post-op care and physiotherapy support
✅ Online Consultation Before Travel – Avoid unnecessary trips
8. Meet Dr. Binoy: Maldivians’ Trusted Hand Surgeon in India
👨⚕️ Dr. Binoy is a senior hand and microsurgeon at Aster Hospital Kochi.
He offers:
✔ Minimally invasive ganglion cyst excision
✔ Advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans
✔ Pre-surgery consultation via video call
✔ Full travel and recovery support for international patients
9. How to Book a Consultation with Dr. Binoy
You can begin treatment from the comfort of your home in the Maldives:
1️⃣ Visit hand-microsurgery.com
2️⃣ Book an online consultation
3️⃣ Discuss your symptoms and get expert advice
4️⃣ If needed, plan surgery with travel assistance to India
Conclusion
Ganglion cysts are usually harmless—but they shouldn’t be ignored if they grow, cause discomfort, or affect wrist mobility. Early consultation and timely treatment can prevent complications and restore full function.
👉 Book your consultation today and get your wrist back to full function—pain-free and confident.