title: Digital mucous cysts.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Digital mucous cyst (DMC) is a common benign condition, but consensus has not been reached regarding its pathogenesis and treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This review provides a concise overview of DMCs.
  
  
  METHODS
  The review presents the literature pertaining to the etiology, pathogenesis, classification, clinical features, epidemiology, differential diagnoses, diagnosis, and management of DMCs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  DMCs have a predilection for middle-aged patients, a good prognosis, and a high recurrence rate. DMCs may occur in one of three locations on the distal digit. They arise owing to a metaplastic or degenerative process. Preexisting osteoarthritis is common and may be an etiologic factor in patients with DMCs. A number of conservative and surgical treatments are available depending on the structures and locations involved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Studies with greater sample size and longer follow-up would enrich current knowledge of the benefits, recurrences, and complications for each treatment modality.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Kayi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Barankin
mesh_terms: D005385:Fingers; D045888:Ganglion Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence