Lesions (benign)

Digital myxoid pseudocyst

What is a digital myxoid pseudocyst?

A digitalmyxoidpseudocyst is a shinypapule found at the end of a finger or toe, close to thenail. It is called a pseudocyst because it is not surrounded by a capsule, unlike a truecyst. It is also called amyxoid cyst, amucous cyst, a digitalganglion cyst, and a digitalsynovial cyst.

What causes a digital myxoid pseudocyst?

The cyst arises from degeneration in theconnective tissue on the top of the last segment of the finger.

There appear to be two variations. The first is a form offocalmucinosis, a condition characterised by abnormal deposits of mucopolysaccharides (mucins) in the skin. The other variation arises from extension of the lining of the finger joint and is due toosteoarthritis – a type of ganglion. Seepathology of adigital myxoid pseudocyst.

What are the clinical features of a digital myxoid pseudocyst?

The digital pseudocyst is semi-translucent, with a smooth shiny surface. It is most often located within a centimetre of the base of the nail. It often causes a groove in the nail. This may be up to several millimetres across and extends the length of the nail.

Jelly-like sticky fluid may be expressed from the pseudocyst (sometimes tinged with blood).

Myxoid cyst 

Myxoid cyst 

Myxoid cyst 

Myxoid cyst 

Myxoid cyst 

Myxoid cyst 

See more images of digital myxoid pseudocysts.

What is the treatment for digital myxoid pseudocyst?

Treatments which may be successful for digital myxoid pseudocyst include:

• Repeatedly pressing firmly on the cyst
• Squeezing out its contents (make a hole with a sterile needle)
• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Steroid injection
• Sclerosant injection
• Surgical removal.

Unfortunately, digital myxoidpseudocysts oftenrecur, whatever treatment is used.

Myxoid cyst 

Needling a myxoid cyst 

Needling a myxoid cyst 

On DermNet

• Digital myxoid pseudocyst pathology
• Cutaneous cysts and pseudocysts

Other websites

• Digital mucous cyst — Medscape Reference
• Digital Myxoid Cyst — British Association of Dermatologists

Books about skin diseases

• Books about the skin
• Dermatology Made Easy - second edition