A mucous cyst is a benign growth that commonly develops near the distal joint of the fingers, often associated with osteoarthritis.
The cyst is filled with synovial fluid, a thick, lubricating substance found in the joints.
While usually harmless, mucous cysts can be aesthetically bothersome and, in some cases, painful, interfering with daily activities.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of a mucous cyst include a small bump or nodule on the dorsal surface of the finger, near the distal joint.
This lump is usually painless, but it can become painful if inflamed or if it presses on the underlying joint.
In some cases, the cyst may rupture, releasing a thick, clear fluid. The skin over the cyst may become thin and fragile.
Causes:
Mucous cysts are frequently associated with osteoarthritis of the distal finger joints.
Degeneration and wear of the joint cartilage can lead to cyst formation.
Other causes may include trauma or injury to the finger.
This condition is more common in older adults, particularly women.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination.
An ultrasound may be used to visualize the cyst and confirm the presence of synovial fluid.
In some cases, an X-ray may be helpful to assess underlying osteoarthritis or joint degeneration.
Treatments:
Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and whether there is pain or discomfort.
If the cyst is painless and does not interfere with function, monitoring without intervention may be sufficient.
Cold compresses and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage any associated inflammation.
For painful or bothersome cysts, conservative treatments such as corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation.
In some cases, aspiration of the cyst fluid with a sterile needle may be performed, although this carries a risk of recurrence.
In more severe or persistent cases, surgical removal of the mucous cyst may be necessary.
This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and involves removing the cyst entirely, and, if required, addressing the underlying joint affected by osteoarthritis.
Surgery significantly reduces the risk of recurrence and helps relieve pain and restore hand function.
At Handclinic, under the care of Dr. Marco Guidi, we use advanced technologies and a personalized approach to diagnose and treat mucous cysts, providing effective solutions to improve hand function and relieve discomfort for our patients.
Suffering from a mucous cyst? Turn to our center for effective and personalized treatment.
Book a visit and regain full control of your hand function.
