Digital mixoid cyst

Background

  • Also known as digital mucous cyst or mixoid pseudocyst
  • Benign collection of gelatinous material, from degeneration of connective tissue
  • Typically affects DIP joint, with swelling over distal phalanx

Clinical Features

Digital mucous cyst in left index finger with nail depression
  • Swelling to distal finger, usually radial aspect +/- pain
  • Aspiration yields clear, gelatinous fluid
  • May communicate with joint space

Differential Diagnosis

Hand and finger infections

Look-Alikes

Evaluation

  • Firm nodule to distal finger or toe
  • May cause longitudinal depressed groove in nail plate

Workup

  • XR of digit may be useful to show joint degeneration, but not required

Management

  • Aspiration (25g needle) or I&D
  • Digital compression
  • May require surgical excision if recurring

Disposition

  • Discharge

See Also

External Links

References