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Suggest Treatment For Fleshy Bumps On Palatine Uvula
Question: Concerned about fleshy bumps at the area where the uvula connects to the soft palate. Concerned because they have been present for at least a month or 2. Cannot find anything on the Web with pictures that match my own picture or resemble it. I do have an appt with my ENT in a week. Just need some peace of mind.
Brief Answer:
Mucus cyst.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Since this is chronic and there are no symptoms now, this is likely to be a benign mucus cyst.
2. These retention cysts usually arise from blocked minor salivary glands that are spread throughout the oral cavity.
3. Since this is an unusual location, you can get an FNAC, laser/ radiofrequency/ coblation or a marsupialisation done. An FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) will help identify the source tissue. A biopsy can help differentiate other causes such as lymphoid tissue, fat, muscle, warts, epidermoid cysts and so on.
4. I am not able to differentiate whether this is one cyst or two separate cysts. A direct examination and palpation should sort that out. Imaging may also help plan the treatment.
5. While this is being done, start medicated and warm saline gargles to see if this still resolves on its own. Though I have outlined various treatment approaches, there is no need to hurry. You can easily keep this under observation for a few more weeks. If the bumps increase in size, it is time to investigate.
6. I must emphasize that this should not be a cause for worry.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Mucus cyst.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Since this is chronic and there are no symptoms now, this is likely to be a benign mucus cyst.
2. These retention cysts usually arise from blocked minor salivary glands that are spread throughout the oral cavity.
3. Since this is an unusual location, you can get an FNAC, laser/ radiofrequency/ coblation or a marsupialisation done. An FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) will help identify the source tissue. A biopsy can help differentiate other causes such as lymphoid tissue, fat, muscle, warts, epidermoid cysts and so on.
4. I am not able to differentiate whether this is one cyst or two separate cysts. A direct examination and palpation should sort that out. Imaging may also help plan the treatment.
5. While this is being done, start medicated and warm saline gargles to see if this still resolves on its own. Though I have outlined various treatment approaches, there is no need to hurry. You can easily keep this under observation for a few more weeks. If the bumps increase in size, it is time to investigate.
6. I must emphasize that this should not be a cause for worry.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your thorough response. I will talk to my ENT about this when I visit, but for now I will keep an eye on it. Thank you
Brief Answer:
Thank you.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
Yes, that is the correct way forward.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Regards.
Thank you.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
Yes, that is the correct way forward.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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