What is this Bump on my Finger? Digital Mucous Cyst
“What is this bump on my finger?” is a common question in the office. There are a few common “bumps” that occur on the finger – Callus, wart, and digital mucous cyst. Today we’ll talk about digital mucous cysts and digital myxoid cysts, commonly known as a mucocele. Since mucoceles can occur elsewhere on the body as well, we will stick with the digital mucous cyst.
Digital mucous cysts are common growths on the finger and toes, occurring on the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP), which is the joint closest to the tip of the finger or toe.
Digital Mucous Cysts are often asymptomatic but sometimes can be tender when large, easily traumatized or damaging to the nails. They are often bluish, translucent in color and the overlying skin maintains the normal texture or is thinner, versus the texture of a verrucous wart or thick callus. Sometimes they are red and inflamed from self-inflicted trauma or infection from self-manipulation. If located at the base of the nail, they can lead to a groove in the nail.
Digital mucous cysts often arise from the underlying joint
space which is important for two reasons.
First, draining the lesion at home can lead to infection deeper in the
joint space. Second, the depth of these
lesions often allows these to recur if only removed superficially.
Digital mucous cysts can often be diagnosed by visual inspection, but sometimes draining the lesion is performed to confirm the diagnosis. See the photos here. Draining the lesion demonstrates a clear gelatinous liquid that may be tinged with blood. If a lesion is drained, caution needs to be taken to avoid infection.
Dr. Rosenberger does not surgically remove these in the office. For those desiring or requiring surgical excision, we recommend seeing a hand surgeon.
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