Carpal Boss or Ganglion Cyst? Similarities, Differences, & Treatment

A carpal boss and ganglion cyst are prime candidates if you’re trying to diagnose a bump on your hand or wrist. While an unexplained lump can be concerning, it’s important to know that most are benign and don’t present a serious cause for concern. Though a harmful bump is unlikely, it’s still important to have this issue professionally diagnosed. 

If the bump is causing pain and discomfort, you may even choose to treat or remove it. If you suspect that you have a carpal boss or ganglion cyst, the following information can help you understand these conditions better so you can make the appropriate choices for your future care.

Understanding a Carpal Boss vs. Ganglion Cyst

Both a carpal boss and ganglion cyst cause an unusual lump on the hand or wrist. Some notable differences between the two will help you determine exactly what you’re dealing with. If the lump is hard, it’s more likely a carpal boss — a bony growth that appears on the back of the wrist where the bones of your middle finger and pointer finger meet your wrist. A carpal boss usually appears on the dominant hand, though this growth can occur on the nondominant hand or even on both hands.

A carpal boss is hard and immobile. It’s usually painless, but you may experience some discomfort when the tendons move over it, which can cause a snapping sensation. A carpal boss may also cause discomfort or mild pain in the wrist when performing certain movements.

The most noticeable difference between a carpal boss and a ganglion cyst is that a ganglion cyst is softer and movable. This fluid-filled lump forms around the joints or tendons. Though a ganglion cyst can occur anywhere on the body, it’s most common on the wrist, hand, or fingers. A ganglion cyst can be uncomfortable, depending on the location. If the cyst presses on a nerve or hinders movement of the wrist and hand, it can be painful or unpleasant. 

A ganglion cyst can occur on any tendon, meaning that it can appear in the same location as a carpal boss. A carpal boss only occurs in one place. If you have a lump or bump that’s not at the base of the hand where your wrist starts, it’s not a carpal boss. While a ganglion cyst is another possible cause, keep in mind that these are not the only two options. You may also have an inclusion cyst, enchondroma, or tumor.

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Diagnosing a Carpal Boss and Ganglion Cyst

You should always seek a professional medical diagnosis for a bump on your hand or wrist. Although this is a benign issue in most cases, proper diagnosis will rule out a more serious concern. Your healthcare provider will begin with a physical examination of the lump. They’ll assess whether it’s hard or soft, if it’s movable, and whether pressure or certain movements cause pain. Shining a light through the bump may help your doctor determine whether it consists of fluid, indicating a ganglion cyst or solid bone, denoting a carpal boss.

This initial examination will eliminate many possible diagnoses. Your doctor may also order additional tests to rule out other conditions and provide more information. These tests may include the following:

• MRI.
• X-rays.
• Ultrasound.
• Computed tomography scan.
• Electromyography.

Treatment Options

Neither a carpal boss nor a ganglion cyst is especially harmful. If the lump on your wrist or hand is causing pain and discomfort, you may be anxious to find effective treatment. If you have an uncomfortable carpal boss, you can treat it with ice, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, or steroid injections. A wrist splint can help if certain movements aggravate the carpal boss and cause pain.

If you have a ganglion cyst, wearing a brace or splint for a short period may help it shrink to a more manageable size. Your healthcare provider can also drain the cyst using a needle and syringe. In both cases, the cyst may reoccur and continue to grow. If the cyst isn’t painful, it’s often best to leave it alone. As many as 58% of ganglion cysts on the wrist will eventually disappear on their own.

Both a carpal boss and a ganglion cyst can be surgically removed to permanently resolve the bump on your hand. To remove a carpal boss, your surgeon will make a small incision and cut out or shave down the bony protrusion. The surgeon may remove other areas of bone or cartilage as well if they’ve been damaged by the carpal boss. Carpal boss surgery is an outpatient procedure that uses a local anesthetic. You’ll need to wear a splint for about a week after surgery and can expect a full recovery within six weeks.

Ganglion cyst surgery is also an outpatient procedure. The surgeon will make a small incision and remove both the cyst and the stalk, attaching it to the tendon. Though surgery removes the cyst in its entirety, recurrence is still possible. Some studies indicate that as many as 31% of ganglion cysts return after surgery. You may experience pain and swelling after surgery. You can typically expect a full recovery within six weeks.

Addressing Your Hand and Wrist Concerns

Diagnosing a carpal boss or ganglion cyst is typically a simple, pain-free experience. If you have an unexplained bump on your hand or wrist, contact our team at The Hand and Wrist Institute to get a conclusive diagnosis. This will allow you to move forward with a treatment plan, whether it means leaving the cyst to resolve on its own or scheduling surgery to remove a bothersome carpal boss. We’ll help you explore all your options to make the best choice for your situation.

Dr. John Knight

Dr. Knight is a renowned hand, wrist and upper extremity surgeon with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Knight is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellowship trained. Dr Knight has appeared on CNN, The Doctors TV, Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, Oxygen network and more.