Digital Mucous Cyst Follow-up

  • Author: Murad Alam, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jul 23, 2010
 

Complications

Digital mucous cysts (DMCs) have a high incidence of recurrence after treatment, typically occurring within 3 months of treatment. Sclerotherapy can result in extravasation of the sclerosant into the joint space. Short freeze-thaw cycles should predominate when cryotherapy is applied to avoid possible scarring of the nail matrix. Local depigmentation has been reported after steroid injection with triamcinolone.

Surgical interventions, while possibly slightly more effective in preventing recurrence, have many associated complications. Radial or ulnar deviation of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint with resulting impairment in joint motion can occur. While some nail deformities may be corrected by surgery, residual nail deformities may persist or be created de novo. Other complications include tendon injury, superficial infection, DIP septic arthritis, increased arthritic symptoms in the joint, and persistent swelling, pain, numbness, and stiffness.

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Prognosis

Digital mucous cysts have a good prognosis. Recurrence is common except with radical surgery, which has significant associated morbidity.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Murad Alam, MD  Associate Professor of Dermatology, Otolaryngology, and Surgery; Chief, Section of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University; Director, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Murad Alam, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, Phi Beta Kappa, Society for Investigative Dermatology, and Women's Dermatologic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

David Bickers, MD  Chairman, Carl Truman Nelson Professor, Department of Dermatology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University

David Bickers, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Dermatological Association, American Society for Clinical Investigation, American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Association of American Physicians, Central Society for Clinical Research, New York Academy of Sciences, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Natalie Ann Kim  Northwestern University, The Feinberg School of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Richard K Scher, MD  Professor of Dermatology, University of North Carolina

Richard K Scher, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Cryosurgery, American College of Physicians, American Dermatological Association, American Geriatrics Society, American Medical Association, Association of Military Surgeons of the US, International Society for Dermatologic Surgery, New York Academy of Sciences, Noah Worcester Dermatological Society, Rhode Island Medical Society, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michael J Wells, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Michael J Wells, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mary Farley, MD  Dermatologic Surgeon/Mohs Surgeon, Anne Arundel Surgery Center

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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Digital mucous cyst proximal to nail unit.
Digital mucous cyst at proximal nail fold.
Histopathology of digital mucous cyst.
 
 
 
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