From the Guidelines
Alveolar recess retention cysts are primarily caused by obstruction of the mucous gland ducts in the alveolar recesses of the maxillary sinuses, often as a result of chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and upper respiratory tract infections, as well as other factors such as nasal polyps, deviated septum, and anatomical variations that impair normal sinus drainage 1. The most common causes of these cysts include:
- Chronic sinusitis
- Allergic rhinitis
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Nasal polyps
- Deviated septum
- Anatomical variations that impair normal sinus drainage These conditions lead to inflammation of the sinus mucosa and subsequent blockage of the mucous gland ducts, resulting in the accumulation of mucus within the gland and the formation of a cyst. Environmental irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and chemical exposures can also trigger inflammation and contribute to cyst formation, as suggested by the potential increased risk of membrane perforation in smokers 1. Trauma to the sinus area, dental infections, and iatrogenic causes following sinus procedures may occasionally lead to these cysts. Most alveolar recess retention cysts are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on imaging, and they typically don't require treatment unless they cause symptoms like facial pain, nasal obstruction, or recurrent sinusitis by blocking the sinus ostia. Understanding these causes helps in managing the underlying conditions that contribute to cyst formation and preventing recurrence. It is also important to consider the morphology of the sinus and the presence of septa, as these factors can affect the risk of complications during sinus procedures, such as membrane perforation 1.
From the Research
Causes of Alveolar Recess Retention Cysts
- The exact causes of alveolar recess retention cysts are not directly mentioned in the provided studies, but related information on salivary gland cysts and mucoceles can be inferred:
- Obstruction of a salivary gland duct is a likely cause of retention cysts, as mentioned in 2 and 3.
- Trauma to the salivary glands can also lead to complications such as sialocele and fistula, which may be related to the formation of retention cysts, as discussed in 4.
- In some cases, retention cysts may be caused by underlying malignant lesions, such as mucoepidermoid carcinoma, which can obstruct a salivary gland duct, as reported in 5.
- The pathogenesis of retention mucoceles is thought to be different from that of extravasation mucoceles, with retention mucoceles typically occurring in older patients and in different locations, such as the cheek or palate, as noted in 6.
- It is essential to note that the provided studies do not directly address the causes of alveolar recess retention cysts, but rather discuss related topics such as salivary gland cysts, mucoceles, and retention cysts in general.
Related Conditions
- Mucoceles, including extravasation and retention mucoceles, are common cystic lesions of the oral mucosa, with different site and age incidences, as discussed in 6.
- Salivary duct cysts (SDCs) are reactive ductal ectasias that are likely caused by obstruction, as mentioned in 3.
- Retention cysts of the parotid gland can be the presenting symptom in patients with occult cancer of the parotid, as reported in 5.