Tendon sheath cysts are more likely to be cured with a cortisone shot than cysts coming from joints. For example, cysts on the back of the wrist come back about one out of three times give the joint is not cleaned out, but only about one out of twenty times if the joint is cleaned out. This depends on what kinds of problems you're having, but it is a good idea to have your cyst checked out by a doctor and possibly have x-rays to make sure that you are not ignoring a potential health problem. For example, Painful cysts may be painful because of underlying problems other than a simple cyst. Although uncommon, pain associated with a ganglion may be due to underlying arthritis, bone tumor, ligament injury or fracture.
Cysts can extend into the underlying bones and cause other types of problems.
Once these types of issues have been evaluated by a physician, the choice is yours. Most ganglions do not pose a serious health risk, and can be simply left alone. Many ganglions go away on their own.