Symptoms

Most ganglions are small, painless bumps. Usually they do not cause serious symptoms. A ganglion:

• May be tender when pressure is applied.
• Can usually be moved under the skin from side to side, unless it is on a finger.

See a picture of a ganglion.

Mucous cyst ganglions, which usually occur with osteoarthritis of the hands, are firm and not easily moved under the skin. They can become infected, resulting in increased swelling, redness, and pain.