What Are the Treatments for a Maxillary Sinus Cyst?

The maxillary sinuses sit on either side of the nose, below the cheek bone. According to the Mayo Clinic, a cyst is a sac that can be filled with air, fluid or other substances.

Identification

A doctor will order an x-ray or CT scan to determine if a cyst is present. According to Dr. Peter J. Casano, a sinus specialist, cysts in the sinuses are common, especially in the maxillary sinus.

Symptoms

Maxillary sinus cysts might cause swelling and tenderness around the cheek bone area. However, according to Dr. Casano, most maxillary cysts cause no symptoms or problems.

Complications

When a maxillary sinus cyst causes improper drainage or chronic tenderness it probably needs removed. Also, if chronic sinusitis exists, removal may be recommended.

Endoscopic Surgery

Endoscopic sinus surgery uses a flexible medical tool, an endoscope, to allow the doctor to view inside your nose and sinuses. The doctor can then remove the cyst by cutting and/or suctioning it out.

Caldwell-Luc Procedure

The Caldwell-Luc procedure involves cutting the gum tissue to access the lower maxillary floor. Since the development of endoscopic surgery this procedure is rarely used. According to the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, this procedure is useful for removing cysts that are caused by impacted teeth.

References

• NoseSinus.com: Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
• Jackson Sinus: Sinus Cysts
• The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary: Caldwell Luc Procedure

Resources

• MayoClinic.com: Tumor vs. Cyst