Mucous Cyst

This is a ganglion of the end joint of the finger.

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Diseases & Conditions

Mucous Cyst

This is a ganglion of the end joint of the finger. It is a fluid-filled swelling that arises from the lining of the joint. They often resolve spontaneously but can recur.

What causes it

Although the exact cause is not known, these swelling are often seen in arthritic joints. It is believed that the wear and tear in the joint gives rise to these swellings

What are the signs and symptoms?

The cysts are often painless although there may be pain arising from the arthritic underlying joint. The cysts are often unsightly and can cause ridging of the nail. They can also be painful if caught and can occasionally burst and can rarely result in an infection of the joint.

How is it Diagnosed?

A detailed history and examination is often all that is required to make the diagnosis. You will need and x-ray to confirm the arthritis in the underlying joint.

How is it Treated?

The cyst is a benign swelling and does not require treatment in most cases. If this cyst continues to grow in size it can burst and potentially cause an infection in the underlying joint. If it causes discomfort or results in ridging of the nail it can be surgically removed.

What does the Procedure Involve?

The cyst is removed under local anaesthetic as a day case procedure. The cyst is removed along with part of the lining of the joint (capsule) from which it arises. A portion of the extra bone (osteophyte) that forms in arthritic joints is also removed to reduce the risk of this swelling returning.

Aftercare

Following the operation you will normally have a bulky dressing covering your wound for 48hours. This is then replaced with a sticky dressing at 48hours until 10 days following your operation. At 10 days your stitches will be removed.

Return To Work

This depends on the nature of your work. For a sedentary occupation the time off is normally 2 weeks. For a manual occupation this can be as long as 6 weeks.

Driving

It is normally safe to drive within 6-7 days of your operation but it is normally best to leave this until your stitches have been removed at 10 days.

Return to Sport

This depends on the intensity of the sport but in most cases a return by 6 weeks is the norm. However more physically demanding sports can require as much as 3 months off.

Complications

Like with any surgery there are a number of small risks associated with this operation.

Plan your visit

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info@lancashirehandclinic.co.uk

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