A mucous cyst is a fluid-filled, non-cancerous sac that forms beneath the skin or a mucous membrane. These lesions are generally benign and are essentially pockets of accumulated fluid. The answer to whether a mucous cyst will go away on its own is dependent on which type of cyst has developed. The two primary types of lesions commonly referred to as mucous cysts behave quite differently in terms of spontaneous healing and potential for recurrence.
Identifying Different Types of Mucous Cysts
The term “mucous cyst” broadly refers to two distinct conditions: mucoceles and digital myxoid cysts. Mucoceles are typically found in the oral cavity, most often on the lips, inside the cheeks, or on the floor of the mouth. These lesions usually arise from trauma, such as accidental biting or lip sucking, which damages a minor salivary gland duct and causes saliva to leak into the surrounding soft tissue. This accumulation of saliva creates a dome-shaped, often translucent or bluish bump.
Digital myxoid cysts, by contrast, appear on the fingers or toes, usually close to the nail bed or the distal joint. These cysts are frequently associated with underlying joint degeneration, such as osteoarthritis, in the nearby joint. The fluid inside these digital lesions is a thick, jelly-like substance called mucin, which often tracks back to the joint space through a small stalk.
When Mucous Cysts Resolve Naturally
Oral mucoceles have a notable tendency to resolve spontaneously, particularly in children. The rupture of the thin sac, followed by the reabsorption of the leaked saliva by the body’s tissues, often leads to resolution. This process usually occurs within a few weeks or a few months, and time is considered a primary treatment approach for these oral lesions.
Digital myxoid cysts, however, rarely resolve completely on their own, especially if they are chronic or large. While observation is a reasonable initial strategy for small, asymptomatic digital cysts, their connection to the underlying joint makes long-term spontaneous regression unlikely. If the cyst is causing a groove or deformity in the nail, or if it is painful, consulting a medical professional is recommended. Attempting to drain a digital cyst at home is strongly discouraged, as this increases the risk of introducing infection into the joint space.
Professional Treatment Options
When spontaneous resolution does not occur, or when the cyst causes pain, functional issues, or cosmetic concern, a variety of professional treatments are available.
Treatment for Mucoceles
For mucoceles, if they persist, the definitive treatment is surgical excision of the cyst along with the adjacent minor salivary glands to prevent recurrence. Other less invasive options include cryotherapy (freezing), laser ablation, or micro-marsupialization, which involves placing a suture to encourage drainage and healing.
Treatment for Digital Myxoid Cysts
For digital myxoid cysts, the treatment strategy is often more aggressive due to the high risk of recurrence and the potential for nail bed damage. Simple aspiration, which involves draining the fluid with a needle, is a minimally invasive choice but carries a high recurrence rate, sometimes up to 50%. Injecting the cyst with a corticosteroid or a sclerosing agent after drainage can improve success rates compared to drainage alone. Surgical excision is the most effective treatment for digital cysts, achieving cure rates as high as 95%. This procedure often involves removing the cyst and addressing the underlying cause by removing the stalk connecting it to the joint and shaving down any associated bony outgrowths (osteophytes). Failure to address the joint pathology significantly increases the chance of the cyst returning.
Preventing Future Occurrence
Preventing the return of a mucous cyst is highly dependent on its type and location. For oral mucoceles, the focus is on avoiding the mechanical trauma that caused the initial lesion. Habits like biting or sucking on the lips or cheeks should be stopped, and sharp edges on teeth or dental appliances should be addressed by a dentist. Maintaining good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of irritation and blockage.
Preventing recurrence of a digital myxoid cyst involves protecting the affected finger or toe from repeated impact or pressure. Patients should avoid any self-treatment, such as puncturing or draining the cyst, as this can lead to serious infection and scarring. After surgical treatment, protecting the area during the healing phase is important. If the cyst was related to underlying osteoarthritis, managing the joint condition can be an indirect way to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.