Are mucus retention cysts symptomatic?

From the Guidelines

Mucus retention cysts are typically asymptomatic and do not require treatment unless they cause symptoms or interfere with sinus drainage. When considering the management of mucus retention cysts, it is essential to prioritize their potential impact on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, mucous retention cysts do not represent an absolute contraindication for sinus floor elevation, and small cysts can be drained during surgery. Some key points to consider include:

• Mucous retention cysts are benign, fluid-filled sacs that form when a mucous gland's duct becomes blocked, causing mucus to accumulate and form a cyst.
• Most mucus retention cysts are discovered incidentally during examinations or imaging for other conditions.
• When symptoms do occur, they usually relate to the cyst's size and location, such as a feeling of pressure, mild discomfort, or a visible lump.
• Large cysts may cause congestion or headaches if they block drainage pathways in the sinuses.
• Treatment is generally not necessary for asymptomatic cysts, but if a cyst becomes bothersome due to size, location, or recurrent infection, surgical removal may be recommended, as suggested by 1 and 1.
• The cumulative implant survival rate is not affected by the presence and intrasurgical draining of mucous retention cysts, with a reported rate of 96.8% 1. It is crucial to evaluate each case individually, considering the size and location of the cyst, as well as the patient's overall health and symptoms, to determine the best course of treatment and minimize potential complications, as outlined in 1 and 1.

From the Research

Mucus Retention Cysts Symptomaticity

• Mucus retention cysts can be symptomatic, as evidenced by a study on the endoscopic approach for symptomatic mucus retention cysts of the maxillary sinus 2.
• The study included 60 patients with 65 symptomatic cysts, indicating that these cysts can cause noticeable symptoms 2.
• Another study proposed a new classification system for congenital laryngeal cysts, including mucous retention cysts, which can be symptomatic and require surgical management 3.
• However, some studies suggest that mucous retention cysts may not always be symptomatic, as they can be incidentally discovered during imaging studies or surgical procedures 4, 5.

Associated Symptoms and Conditions

• Mucus retention cysts can be associated with various symptoms, including dysphonia, nasal obstruction, and sinusitis 2, 3.
• Some studies have found correlations between mucous retention cysts and certain conditions, such as human immunodeficiency virus infection 5.
• Vocal fold cysts, including mucous retention cysts, can be related to Reinke edema and may require surgical management 6.

Surgical Management

• The endoscopic approach is a recommended surgical procedure for symptomatic mucus retention cysts of the maxillary sinus, with a low rate of recurrence and no complications 2.
• The surgical management of mucous retention cysts depends on the location, size, and symptoms of the cyst, as well as the patient's overall health status 3, 4.
• Careful dissection and close follow-up are necessary during surgical management of Reinke edema to detect and treat vocal fold cysts, including mucous retention cysts 6.