From the Research
The styloid mass, also known as Eagle syndrome, is a condition that requires a stepwise approach to management, starting with conservative treatment and progressing to surgical intervention if symptoms persist, as evidenced by the study published in 2006 1. The styloid mass refers to a bony projection at the base of the temporal bone in the skull. When abnormally elongated (typically over 3 cm), it's called Eagle syndrome or styloid process syndrome. This condition can cause symptoms like throat pain, difficulty swallowing, facial pain, ear pain, or a foreign body sensation in the throat. Treatment depends on symptom severity, and the most recent and highest quality study suggests that a stepwise therapy plan is the most effective approach, starting with medicamentous treatment, followed by surgical treatment if the problems persist 1. Some key points to consider in the management of styloid mass include:
- Conservative management with pain medications (NSAIDs like ibuprofen 400-600mg three times daily), muscle relaxants, or local steroid injections may provide relief for mild cases 1.
- Physical therapy focusing on stretching and strengthening neck muscles can also help alleviate symptoms 1.
- For severe or persistent cases, surgical intervention to shorten the elongated styloid process is recommended, with a transoral or transcervical approach, depending on the individual case 1, 2.
- Diagnosis typically requires imaging studies like CT scans to visualize the elongated process and rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms 3, 4.
- The elongation occurs due to calcification of the stylohyoid ligament, often triggered by previous throat trauma, tonsillectomy, or as part of the aging process 5. Surgical shortening of the elongated styloid process is the only way to give symptomatic relief to the patient, and it is essential to choose the most adequate treatment based on a corrected differential diagnosis 5.