Head and Neck ImagingMucous retention cyst
more or less rounded
cyst, originating from an obstructed mucous gland in the
mucosa. Such a
cyst is a common incidental finding in the
paranasal sinuses. The size is variable; usually the
sinus is not completely filled by such a retention
cyst, and no bone remodelling is visible. Radiologically, a mucous retention
cyst cannot be differentiated from an
inflammatory polyp.
Mucous retention cysts also occur in the mucosa of the pharynx and larynx; they are usually asymptomatic, but they may cause dysphagia or respiratory distress. A ranula may also be considered as a mucous retention cyst.
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