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What Does Mucus Retention Cyst Of Sphenoid Sinus Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 12 Jun 2014

Question: What are circular 1-4mm hypodense areas within what appears to be a mucous cyst at the posterior sphenoid sinus? I have a jpeg image that can be uploaded or emailed. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You have mucus retention cyst of sphenoid sinus.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM

I have gone through images and findings in detail.
You are right in your diagnosis.It is a mucus retention cyst of sphenoid sinus involving right side(posteriorly).These are slow growing lesions but mucosal and cortical integrity is preserved.
Mild mucosal thickening is also noted in ethmoid sinuses.

Findings are related to your history of chronic sinusitis.
It doesn't require any active treatment.Only watchful observation is required in absence of any complications.
Most retention cysts of the sphenoid sinus are spontaneously regressed or show no significant change in size over the long term.

You should be followed up clinically and by radiographic examination.Mostly no treatment is indicated because of their high spontaneous regression rate.

You should continue your medicines.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (13 hours later)

Dr.,

Thank you for your reply. I have two more questions:

1. what are the clear, circular bubbled (completely black, "hypodense") areas located within the mucus retention cyst shown on the first scan?

2. this cyst has persisted for 7 years. I have attached three new reports showing the the progression of the cyst: 2007 sphenoid cyst, 2010 sphenoid cyst, and 2014 sphenoid cyst.

I have persistent mild left post-nasal pressure pressure and also left post-nasal drainage. The drainage is thick and only on the left side. The drainage is continuous and never stops and smells infected.

Could a mucus retention cyst cause symptoms such as persistent post-nasal drainage? Could a mucus retention cyst also be present with chronic infection? I am tired of the unilateral symptoms.

Thanks,

XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please find detail answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing back

Few hypodense areas inside the cysts are due to minimal amount of air trapping.Air is normally present inside the sinuses.

Sequential CT images suggests improvement in the status of mucus retention cyst of sphenoid sinus.

Your symptoms including post nasal drip are due to chronic sinusitis.Mucus retention cyst develop due to chronic sinusitis.Mucus retention cyst itself doesn't cause post nasal drip.

You need regular prophylactic treatment for sinusitis.
Nasal steroids are very helpful.
You are already taking medicines like antihistaminics and decongestants for sinusitis.Additionally,you can take antibiotics.

There is no need of surgical intervention to get rid of mucus retention cyst. Sphenoid sinus is dangerous area to intervene.Besides this, its removal will not be helpful in alleviation of your symptoms.

You should avoid allergens like dust,smoke etc which can increase your symptoms.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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