Efficacy and safety of sclerotherapy for digital mucous cysts

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Digital mucous cysts (DMCs) are common tumor of the adjacent distal interphalangeal joint that causes leakage of mucinous material from the joint. There are various treatment modalities for DMCs, among which sclerotherapy has been reported as an effective alternative treatment. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of sclerotherapy for DMC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 12 patients with DMC treated with sclerotherapy. 0.5% Sodium tetradecyl sulfate 0.2-0.3 cc was injected into the pseudocystic lesions after the complete evacuation of mucinous material. RESULTS: Eleven of 12 lesions regressed successfully, including four lesions that resolved after a single treatment. The mean number of treatments was 2.4. The mean follow-up period was 18.3 months after the last treatment. There was one case of recurrence after the last treatment. Complications such as mild edema, inflammation and pain were noted in three patients, which resolved within few days. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the present study, sclerotherapy is a feasible alternative treatment modality for DMCs. Treatment was well tolerated with few side effects, and resulted in high cure rate. Due to its less invasive nature, high accessibility and favorable outcomes, sclerotherapy should be considered a satisfactory option for the treatment of DMC.