Maxillary Sinus Mucoceles: Clinical Presentation and Long‐Term Results of Endoscopic Surgical Treatment

Abstract

The etiology of maxillary sinus mucoceles is not well understood. Mechanical obstruction or allergy or both do not seem to play an important role. An infectious origin is also not supported by the above data. Endoscopic sinus surgery is a reliable therapeutic measure with a favorable long-term outcome.

Giant Mucocoele of the Maxillary Antrum: A Case Report

“…Though typically painless [2], cheek pressure or pain was the most common symptom in a series of 13 cases [3].…”

“…A Caldwell Luc approach may be needed for mucocoeles that have extended into facial soft tissues, pterygomaxillary fossa or those which have not been satisfactorily evacuated by endoscopic sinus surgery. Further mucocoeles resulting from facial trauma or previous surgery may be compartmentalized and less amenable for FESS [3]. …”

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sinonasal Endoscopy in Pediatric Patients

“…The pathology consists of accumulation of secretion products, aseptic slimy mucus, desquamation, and inflammation lined by the respiratory mucosa (Marks et al, 1997;Busaba & Salman, 1999), developing within a paranasal sinus associated with expansion of its bony walls as a consequence of ostium blockage. A mucocele grows slowly and expands by eroding the surrounding bony walls.…”

“…Mucoceles are usually monolateral, whereas bilateral mucoceles are infrequently observed (Varghese et al, 2004). The clinical picture, which varies in relation to the sinus involved, includes nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, headache, cheek pressure or pain associated with or without check swelling, maxillary nerve hyperesthesia, infra-orbital anesthesia, dental pain, loosening of teeth, periorbital pain, proptosis, blurred vision, alteration of visual acuity, diplopia, and sudden loss of vision (Avery et al, 1983;Hayasaka et al, 1991;Moriyama et al, 1992;Curtin & Rabinov, 1998;Busaba & Salman 1999;Maroldi et al, 2005;Tseng et al, 2005). Whenever erosion of the anterior or posterior wall of the frontal sinus is present, a Pott's puffy tumor or neurological symptoms may be evident (Maroldi et al, 2005).…”

“…Diagnosis is based on signs and symptoms, nasal endoscopic evaluation, and imaging. By CT, the disease appears as a homogenous lesion that completely occupies the involved sinus with smooth clear-cut margins of bone erosion of its walls (Han et al, 1995;Busaba & Salman, 1999). Moreover, CT shows the site and extension of the disease, remolded cortex, bony erosion entity, anatomical variants, and hyperostotic changes, (Maroldi et al, 2005).…”