What should you know about ganglion cyst on scalp?

A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled swelling associated with a joint or tendon sheath, commonly around the wrist. A lump on the scalp may instead have another explanation, such as a skin or soft-tissue lesion. Appearance and feel alone cannot reliably identify its cause. A clinician may ask when it appeared, whether it changes in size, whether it is tender, and whether there was an injury. Examination may be followed by imaging or another test when the diagnosis is unclear.

Do not puncture, squeeze, hit, or try to drain a scalp lump at home. Arrange a clinical examination, especially if it is growing, fixed, painful, or repeatedly irritated by hair care or headwear. Bring a list of medicines and note changes in size or skin colour. If a clinician confirms a ganglion-type cyst, observation may be reasonable when it causes no problem. Options such as Joint Aspiration or Ganglion Cyst Removal depend on the exact diagnosis, location, symptoms, and recurrence concerns.

Seek prompt medical attention for a lump that becomes red, hot, very painful, drains fluid, follows a significant head injury, or grows quickly. Urgent care is needed for severe headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, weakness, fainting, or vision changes after an injury. A new lump with persistent tenderness or a change in the overlying skin should not be self-treated.

Ask what structures are beneath the lump, whether imaging is appropriate, which changes should trigger review, whether removal is necessary, and how a procedure could affect nearby skin, nerves, or hair.