What is a sinonasal mucocele?
A sinonasal mucocele is a benign, mucus-filled cyst in your paranasal sinuses. The paranasal sinuses are located in your lower forehead, upper nose, and cheekbones. Most mucoceles occur in the frontal paranasal sinuses (lower forehead).
A sinonasal mucocele is usually caused by a buildup of mucus in the drainage channels of your sinuses. This obstruction can result from chronic sinus infections (sinusitis) or trauma. Sometimes, there’s no clear cause.
The experts at Penn Medicine specialize in treating all types of nasal and sinus disorders. We’re regionally and nationally recognized for our expertise and excellence in rhinology. Our doctors accurately diagnose sinonasal mucoceles and provide effective treatment to relieve your symptoms.
Sinonasal mucocele symptoms
The most common symptoms of sinonasal mucoceles are headaches and swelling of your eyes or forehead. Other signs and symptoms you may experience include:
- Congestion
- Difficulty seeing and moving your eyes
- Drooping eyelids
- Facial pain
- Recurring sinus infections
What causes a sinonasal mucocele?
Sinonasal mucoceles are caused by a buildup of mucus in your sinuses. This buildup can occur because of chronic sinusitis, facial trauma, infection, nasal polyps, bony tumors, previous sinus surgery, or congenital anomalies.
Most sinonasal mucoceles are benign. But if they get bigger, the pressure they exert can cause issues. For example, a mucocele can push through the surrounding bone or even discharge through your skin. Mucoceles can also become infected.
Diagnosing sinonasal mucoceles
First, your doctor will perform a physical exam, ask about your symptoms, and take your medical history. Then, they may request imaging to see the cyst and confirm its location. Your doctor may order a diagnostic test, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treating sinonasal mucoceles
Treatment for sinonasal mucoceles depends on the size of the cyst and how much pressure it’s putting on surrounding areas. If it’s a small cyst, your doctor may prescribe decongestant and steroid medication to decrease inflammation and help you manage the cyst. If the mucocele is infected, you may also need an oral antibiotic.
If the cyst is large, you may need surgery to drain and remove it. Usually, doctors opt for endoscopic surgery because it’s minimally invasive and leads to a quicker recovery.