Digital mucous cysts are benign, cystic lesions of 
the digits typically located near the distal interphalangeal 
joints or near the proximal nail folds. The peak incidence 
rates are in the age group between 40 and 70 years. The 
male to female ratio is 2:1. Two types of digital mucous 
cysts have been described. The myxomatous (superficial) 
type presumably arises de novo from the metabolic 
derangement of dermal fibroblasts that leads to excess 
production of hyaluronic acid. The ganglionic (deep) type 
results
 from leakage of fluid from the distal 
interphalangeal 
joint. 
osteoarthritis
 and 
There may be coexisting 
osteophytes
 in
 the 
joint. 
Characteristically, a digital mucous cyst presents as an 
asymptomatic, slow-growing, solitary, circumscribed, 
semi-translucent, flesh colored, compressible, dome
shaped, cystic papulonodule measuring 1 to 10 mm in 
diameter on the finger. A watchful observation may be 
appropriate for asymptomatic patients. For symptomatic 
patients and those patients who prefer treatment, simple 
surgical excision of the cyst is the treatment of choice. 
Other treatment options include incision and drainage, 
repeated needling to induce scarification, cryotherapy, 
sclerotherapy, intralesional injections of corticosteroids or 
sclerosing agents, electrodessication, and carbon dioxide 
laser therapy.