Digital Mucous Cyst
A small fluid-filled cyst near the end joint of a finger, often associated with osteoarthritis.
What is it?
A digital mucous cyst is a ganglion-like cyst near the distal interphalangeal joint. It often communicates with the joint and may occur alongside osteoarthritic bone spurs.
Symptoms
The lump can be painless or tender. Pressure near the nail matrix can create a longitudinal groove or deformity in the nail.
Why skin matters
The skin over the cyst can become very thin. If it breaks down, bacteria can potentially track into the underlying joint.
Diagnosis
The appearance and location are often characteristic. X-rays may demonstrate associated osteoarthritis or osteophytes.
Treatment
Observation is reasonable when the cyst is small and asymptomatic. Repeated puncture at home is discouraged because of infection risk.
Surgery
Persistent pain, recurrent drainage, threatened skin or nail deformity may lead to excision, usually addressing the cyst stalk and relevant osteophytes.
Increasing redness, drainage, warmth or severe pain around a mucous cyst can indicate infection and should be assessed.