If the cyst ruptures or is deliberately punctured, a serious infection can result that can damage the finger joint (septic joint arthritis) and even cause a bone infection (osteomyelitis). Mucous cysts that are enlarging, painful, or causing significant fingernail deformities should be evaluated. When should you be more concerned about mucous cysts? X-rays are often obtained to evaluate for commonly associated osteoarthritis and bone spurs. Your symptoms and medical history as well as an examination of your hand can usually confirm a diagnosis of mucous cyst. Occasionally these cyst rupture (or are deliberately punctured) resulting in serious infection with increased pain, swelling, redness and pus drainage. The cysts may also press on the nail bed producing a split or crease in the fingernail over time. Large cysts occasionally rupture with minor trauma producing a thick clear jelly like substance.
Small painful lump under skin on finger skin#
Mucous cysts often look like small smooth warts or blisters on the skin near the base of the fingernails. Mucous cysts that occur near the fingernails are usually associated with osteoarthritis of the adjacent joint. Mucous cysts are just a particular type of ganglion cysts that occur around the finger joint around the base of the fingernails. Ganglion cysts are very common benign fluid-filled cysts that usually occur near joints or tendons. Malignant or cancerous tumors of the hand, wrist, or forearm are exceedingly uncommon, but we recommend you have any new lump or bump checked out.
They can however sometimes cause pain or limit function. Benign cysts and masses are actually very common in the hand and wrist, and often don’t cause significant problems. Lumps and bumps on the hand, wrist, or forearm can be a cause of significant anxiety for patients but are rarely anything too serious.