Mucoid cyst

A mucoid cyst is a cyst that appears on the extensor finger joint. It is a benign neoplasm. The bulge is filled with thickened, gelatinous synovial fluid and can increase in size and circumference over time. It thus resembles a ganglion . The swelling may be associated with pain in the joint .

Cause and consequences

The mucoid cyst is usually caused by osteoarthritis of the wrist joint . Small bony spikes, but also other recognizable joint destruction, lead to a stimulus that is followed by a classic inflammatory reaction. The following edema in the joint space is relieved by the given anatomical structures on the side of the joint, and a protrusion of the skin occurs because the extensor tendon reins prevent protrusion directly above the joint . A benign tumor develops at this point in the form of a cyst. Mucoid cysts are not just a cosmetic problem, as the pressure on the surrounding tissue can lead to nail growth disorders, among other things. When mucoid cysts burst, more can happenbring exogenous and secondary inflammation with them, as there are often germs in the area of ​​the fingernails that can penetrate the wound and then lead to infections of the nail bed and the end joint bones.

Diagnosis and treatment

Mucoid cysts can usually be diagnosed visually or by touch. Since this type of cyst occurs only on the finger joints, it is easy to distinguish from other forms of malformation. An x-ray usually makes the underlying osteoarthritis visible and can thus confirm the diagnosis. By taking antibiotics , inflammation of ruptured mucoid cysts can be avoided.

Laser treatments can provide temporary relief. Punctures , i.e. the draining of the secretion by inserting a needle, should only be performed by medical professionals, otherwise the emptying will only bring short-term success and there is a risk of stubborn inflammation. If the cyst bursts on its own, it must be protected with a sterile wound dressing and a doctor must be consulted. The substance may have a cryotherapy (freezing) or the injection of cortisone or cortisolhaltiger substances. With all of these therapies, a mucoid cyst often forms again later.

For this reason, the mucoid cyst is usually surgically removed. The protuberance together with the overlying skin with which it has grown is detached from the surrounding tissue. Smaller bone spikes in the joint area should be completely removed. If the layer of skin over the cyst is too thin to sew up the opening, it can remain open as the wound will normally close by itself. Often, a cover is also made with a Kuttler flap . Then the hand is immobilized and occasionally splinted. After a few days of rest, the affected finger can slowly be reactivated and moved systematically if there is no pain. The threads are usually pulled after 8 to 10 days. However, after surgical removal, the underlying osteoarthritis must also be treated, otherwise the cyst will also recur.

Any disruption in nail growth usually normalizes after the cyst has been removed, so that the next fingernail grows unimpaired.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b} Health information: What is a mucoid cyst? In: chirurgie-portal.de. Retrieved April 12, 2019 . 
2. ↑ ^{a b} Symptoms: mucoid cyst on the finger joint. In: berlin.immanuel.de. Retrieved April 12, 2019 . 
3. ↑ ^{a b} Skin dictionary: The mucoid cyst - manifestations, online diagnosis and therapy. In: online-hautarzt.net. Retrieved April 12, 2019 . 

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !