Digital Mucous Cyst
Ganglion cysts are the most common form of lump or mass in the hand. Cysts can appear in many locations in the upper extremity but are most common around the wrist and at the end of the finger adjacent to the nail. When these cysts occur on the backside of the fingers adjacent to the nail they are called a Digital Mucous Cyst. Another term for these is a “myxoid” cyst. These cysts are benign (non-cancerous), usually related to underlying osteoarthritis and can be symptomatic.
Causes and risk factors
Most common in older patients age 40 and up
Women are more often affected
Highly correlated with osteoarthritis of the last joint of the finger (the DIP joint)
Symptoms
Visible lump, although some cysts remain hidden under the skin
Pain due to pressure on the joint and/or nail
Digital mucous cysts will occasionally spontaneously rupture, classically emanating a clear, jelly like fluid
They are generally approximately the diameter of a pencil eraser or smaller though on occasion they can grow larger
On occasion, this cyst will lead to abnormal growth of the nail, often leading to a nail ridge
Diagnosis and treatment
Digital mucous cysts often don’t require surgery and may disappear or reduce in size with time. The cyst can be aspirated in clinic, where the cyst is decompressed with a small needle. However, this often leads to recurrence.
Surgical treatment can be considered at the patient’s discretion if the non operative treatment options do not provide relief, though even with surgery ganglion cyst are known to occasionally recur. Research suggest recurrence rate of likely approximately 10% even with surgical excision. Dr. Holt will discuss treatment options with you to develop an optimal plan.
Digital Mucous Cyst Excision Surgical Information/Post Operative Instructions
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