Mucous Cyst in Finger
What is a Mucous Cyst in a finger?
A mucous cyst in a finger a fluid-filled sac that occurs on the finger joint closest to the nail. The cyst may thin the skin and may cause a groove to form in the nail. Most patients who develop a mucous cyst have wear and tear arthritis (osteoarthritis) of the involved joint. The cyst has a stalk that is connected to the joint. It is thought that underlying bone spurs from the arthritis weakens the joint lining allowing the cyst to form.
How is a Mucous Cyst in a Finger Diagnosed?
The mucous cyst in a finger typically has a characteristic appearance, and the diagnosis is straightforward for most hand specialists. Radiographs (x-rays) are often ordered to confirm underlying arthritis of the joint and to look for associated bone spurs. This diagnosis should be confirmed by a physician, as other diseases may mimic a mucous cyst or ganglion cyst.
What Are the Treatment Options for a Mucous Cyst in a finger?
Most mucous cysts are not painful. If they are not causing pain or dysfunction, they do not require treatment. In these cases, observation for changes in the cyst is all that is needed. Sometimes the cyst will go away on its own. If a patient develops pain, recurrent drainage, or nail deformity, treatment may be recommended.
Draining the fluid with a needle (aspiration) is an option, but there is a high recurrence rate with this technique. Surgery is usually recommended in order to remove the cyst and the underlying bone spur in the joint. Techniques which do not remove the bone spur, such as lancing the cyst or cryotherapy, have a high recurrence rate and are not effective long-term.
What is Mucous Cyst Surgery?
The surgery to remove the mucous cyst and bone spur takes approximately 15 minutes to perform. The procedure is performed with a local anesthetic numbing medicine and can be performed in the office procedure room or in an outpatient surgery center. After the surgery there will be a bandage on the involved finger and the stitches are removed at about 10-14 days. Resting the finger for several days after surgery is encouraged to promote wound healing.
Patient satisfaction for this surgery is very high. There is about a 5% chance the cyst will return with surgical treatment. Complications are uncommon but can include scar tenderness, infection, recurrence, and continued nail deformity. Most patients do not require a visit to the hospital for this procedure or IV anesthesia.
Remove Mucous Cysts from Your Finger Safely with Our Raleigh Hand Surgeons
Mucous cysts in your finger can be bothersome and painful. Our specialized treatments from the orthopedic surgeons at Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center can help you remove mucous cysts safely and effectively. Call our office to schedule an appointment or make an appointment online now!
Updated 6/19/2025
Image provided by Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center physicians.
