The cyst is often connected to the lining of the finger or toenail joint, and is usually located between the joint and the nail. Digital myxoid cysts are not contagious and are not a form of skin cancer. The term cyst is from the Greek kystis meaning a bag or pouch; myxoid and mucoid refer to the jelly-like contents.
But as digital mucous cysts are connected to a joint, infection is a severe concern. If a cyst becomes infected, it can spread to the underlying joint and make the patient's symptoms exponentially worse.
Oral mucoceles, or mucous cysts, usually occur due to minor trauma, such as biting your lip. When you sustain an oral injury, you may damage or block a salivary gland. When this happens, the flow of saliva draining into your mouth from that gland may build up and form a cyst.
Apart from the cosmetic deformity, patients with mucous cysts may note chronic drainage, infection, and pain. Infections that develop from a ruptured cyst communicate with the underlying joint and can become septic arthritis and osteomyelitis.
It is important not to pick at or pop the cyst. This can result in an open wound, which may become infected or cause permanent scarring. Over time, the cyst will burst itself as a part of the healing process. Occasionally cleaning the cyst with salt water can help to prevent infection.
Digital mucous cysts often go away on their own. If not, surgery may be considered. You should not try to drain the cyst on your own, because you run the risk of complications, such as joint infections or permanent damage to your fingers or toes.
An oral mucous cyst is a painless, thin sac on the inner surface of the mouth. It contains clear fluid. Mouth ulcers are caused by many disorders.
In this case, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics that should be applied directly onto the site of the rupture, and the finger should be wrapped in a dressing. It is likely that a doctor will also prescribe oral antibiotics in addition. If the joint still develops an infection, the next step will be surgery.
A digital mucous cyst appears as a small, non-mobile, soft to firm, round bump at the joint nearest to the fingertip. Any finger can be affected, but the most common finger involved is the index finger. The cyst may appear suddenly, or more frequently, increase slowly in size.
A mucous cyst is a benign mass, and does not represent a cancer or tumor. Despite their benign nature, the cysts can be painful and can cause cosmetic concerns for patients. There are successful treatments to eradicate the cysts when needed.
The mechanical trauma may result from lip biting, commonly under stress, or because of constant contact with a sharp tooth, or continuous thrusting of the tongue against the teeth. The trauma is typically the initiatory factor except in the glands of the posterior part of the hard palate and the soft palate.
If you accidentally bump the cyst, it may rupture and ooze out a clear jelly-like substance. This puts the cyst at risk of developing infection, with swelling, redness, pus drainage, and increased pain. A physical exam is usually enough to confirm your diagnosis.
Although surgery is considered the definitive treatment for mucous cysts, nonoperative treatments have been employed, including aspiration, electrocautery, chemical cautery, and steroid injection. Aspiration of digital ganglions was found to have a 65-69% success rate, compared with 27-45% for carpal ganglions.
They're usually skin-colored and look almost translucent (light can shine through). They range in size from 5 millimeters to 1 centimeter across, which is about the size of a pencil eraser. The round or oval bumps may be firm or filled with a jelly-like, sticky fluid. They typically don't cause any pain.
Mucous cysts, because of their benign nature, generally do not require treatment by a physician. In about half of cases, the cysts will resolve on their own within one to two weeks.
For up to two weeks after your procedure, avoid using the hand on your operative side and lifting objects heavier than one to two pounds. After about four weeks, you may begin heavier tasks as approved by your surgeon.
Though mucous cysts are not usually painful, they may become irritated if they are frequently rubbed or bumped. The inflamed joint associated with the cyst may also cause discomfort. The skin covering the cyst may become thin, making it prone to rupturing and releasing a clear fluid.
Mucous cysts are harmless. Left untreated, they can form a permanent bump on the inner surface of the lip.
A nonsurgical option that may be effective for a small or newly identified mucocele is to rinse the mouth thoroughly with salt water (one tablespoon of salt per cup) four to six times a day for a few days. This may draw out the fluid trapped underneath the skin without further damaging the surrounding tissue.
Digital mucous cysts may resolve on their own, however, a large percentage will require evaluation and treatment by a dermatologist. The most definitive treatment for digital mucous cysts is surgical excision and fusion of any communication with the underlying joint.
Many mucoceles will go away on their own in 3–6 weeks. Mucus-retention cysts often last longer. Avoid the habit of chewing or sucking on the lips or cheek when these lesions are present.
Mucocele is not contagious and usually resolves on its own without the need for treatment. However, in some cases, minor surgery by a dentist may be necessary to remove the affected cyst and salivary gland. This file may contain unpleasant images that are not suitable for all audiences.