The maxillary sinuses are the paranasal sinuses, which are cavities in the bones of the skull, filled with air in a normal state. Inside the maxillary sinuses are covered with a mucous membrane containing glands that constantly produce mucus.
How are the maxillary sinuses formed?
In some cases, in the maxillary sinuses are formed pathological formations - cysts. This is due to the blocking of the duct of the gland located in the sinus mucosa, as a result of which the iron is filled with mucus, stretched and takes the form of a thin-walled globular formation. Such cysts of the maxillary sinuses are called retention cysts and are often encountered. The main cause of the overlap of the gland are frequent inflammatory diseases of the nose and nasal sinuses, a chronic and allergic rhinitis. This can also contribute to the curvature of the nasal septum, which prevents normal air flow.
Less often, odontogenic cysts of the maxillary sinuses are formed, which are formed as a result of infection from the roots of patients with upper molars and adjacent inflammatory tissues. The odontogenic cyst is filled with purulent contents and destructively affects the surrounding bone walls.
Symptoms of the cyst of the maxillary sinus
In many cases, the cyst in the left or right maxillary sinus is detected randomly when examined by an otolaryngologist for other complaints, because pathology for a long time may not manifest itself in any way and does not affect the act of breathing. However, in some cases, the appearance of such signs:
- nasal congestion on the side of the lesion;
- painful sensations in the area of the maxillary bone, giving in the temple and orbit;
- headaches localized in the frontal part;
- periodic mucous or purulent discharge from the nose;
- chronic sinusitis with frequent exacerbations;
- unpleasant sensations in the area of the sinuses during scuba diving.
In this case, the severity of the symptoms is affected not by the size of the cyst, but by its localization in the sinus. To detect the cyst can be through radiography with a contrast agent or computed tomography.
Treatment of the cyst of the maxillary sinus
If the patient has learned about the existence of a cyst in the maxillary sinus accidentally, and it does not deliver any uncomfortable sensations, then special treatment is not required. It is recommended only to periodically visit a doctor for observation. There are cases of spontaneous resorption of such formations.
In cases where the presence of the cyst causes the appearance of various symptoms and complications, treatment is indicated. It is performed only surgically, because no therapeutic methods in such a pathology do not bring positive results.
The operation to remove the cyst of the maxillary sinus can be carried out by one of the following techniques:
- Operation for Caldwell-Luke - is shown with an odontogenic cyst, because helps prevent recurrence of the disease. This surgical intervention provides trepanation of the sinus behind the upper lip in the mouth and
Remove the cyst through the hole. The incision subsequently heals independently. - Operation Denker - is shown at localization of a cyst on a back wall to a sinus. The method is quite traumatic and involves trepanation through the front (front) wall. After all the manipulations, suturing is required.
- Endoscopic removal of the cyst of the maxillary sinus - a modern low-injury surgical technique that does not require cuts on the face. The cyst is removed through the nasal cavity using an endoscope. However, unfortunately, this gentle method is not always suitable.