What are the symptoms of a clavicle cyst?

Generally, clavicular cysts—benign bone lesions occurring in the clavicle area—present symptoms including local dull pain, a palpable mass on the clavicle, shoulder movement discomfort, localized tenderness, and compression symptoms from the cyst. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Local dull pain: In the early stages, patients often experience mild, intermittent pain in the clavicle region. Pain may worsen with physical exertion, lifting heavy objects, or maintaining a fixed shoulder posture for prolonged periods, and typically eases with rest. Initially, the pain usually does not interfere significantly with daily activities.

2. Clavicular mass: As the cyst gradually enlarges, a firm mass can be felt on the surface of the clavicle. The mass typically has well-defined borders and a smooth surface. In most cases, it is not obviously tender upon palpation, and grows slowly.

3. Shoulder movement discomfort: When the cyst reaches a certain size, it may affect normal shoulder movement. Patients may feel a pulling sensation or restricted motion in the clavicle area when raising their arms, rotating the shoulders, or performing chest-expanding exercises. Discomfort becomes more noticeable with larger movements.

4. Localized tenderness: If the cyst compresses the surrounding periosteum or soft tissues, pressing on the affected clavicular area causes distinct tenderness. The tender area is usually limited and corresponds to the location of the cyst. Pain may persist briefly after pressure is applied, and in some patients, tenderness may slightly increase during deep breathing.

5. Cyst compression symptoms: If the cyst becomes large enough, it may compress nearby nerves or blood vessels. This can lead to sensations of numbness in the shoulder or upper arm, or mild decreases in skin temperature and weakened pulse in the upper limb. These symptoms typically appear when the cyst has been left untreated for a long period.

Patients are advised to avoid excessive pulling or strain on the shoulder in daily life, minimize stress on the clavicle area, and regularly monitor any changes in the mass. Increasing dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D appropriately may help maintain bone health and reduce the likelihood of further cyst development.