Treatment of 63 Subjects With Digital Mucous Cysts With Percutaneous Sclerotherapy Using Polidocanol

Digital mucous cysts (digital myxoid cysts or DMCs) are benign cystic swellings typically affecting the digital distal interphalangeal joint or the proximal nail fold. Many treatment modalities exist; however, permanent scarring, wound infection, and recurrence are common. Polidocanol sclerotherapy has been reported as a potential treatment.

To assess the efficacy and safety of percutaneous polidocanol sclerotherapy in the treatment of DMC.

The authors performed polidocanol sclerotherapy in 63 patients (23 men and 40 women). For each patient, the DMC contents were extruded and 3% polidocanol (0.02-0.5 mL) was injected to gently refill the cyst to its previous size. Subjects were reviewed after 6 weeks and offered a second treatment if necessary, and reviewed again after 12 weeks. Changes in lesions and adverse reactions were noted.

Of the 63 subjects treated, 43 (68.3%) experienced complete resolution of the cyst by 6 weeks, and 49 (77.8%) experienced complete resolution by 12 weeks. Side effects were minor and had resolved in all patients by 12-week review.

Percutaneous polidocanol sclerotherapy is a simple, safe, and effective approach to treating DMC, and is suitable for office-based practice.