What Causes Small Lump On Inner Side Of Left Ankle?

Posted on Mon, 27 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 27 Jul 2015 Answered on

Tue, 18 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I noticed a small lump on the inner side of my left ankle, around the size of a pea. It is hard but when I press on it for a few times, it feels a bit tender and will slowly dissappear, but then it will come back in a while. What could it be? I have no idea how long it's been there I just discovered it a few days ago. Can I wait to see how it goes or should I go to see a doctor soon? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
ganglion cyst

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your question.
It sounds like a ganglion cyst. There is where a small amount of the fluid from withing a joint leaks out causing a small cyst. .
Usually these go away on their own.
Pressing on it can irritate it so try to just leave it alone.
If it gets larger or does not go away in a few months then see your doctor.
It is not serious and can wait for a few months and just see if it goes away on its own.
Here is a website from the Mayo clinic where you can read more about these cysts.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ganglion-cyst/basics/definition/con-0000

Let me know if you have further questions,
Dr. Robinson

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar