A sinus retention cyst may be an incidental imaging finding and often needs no operation if asymptomatic. Not every facial pain should be attributed to the cyst.
Assess its location, appearance, effect on drainage and correspondence with symptoms. Dental disease and other lesions may need exclusion. Observation, further investigation or surgery depends on these findings. Even endoscopic removal carries bleeding and other sinus-surgery risks. The word cyst in a CT report alone is not enough to plan surgery.
Diagnosis uses symptom duration and examination; endoscopy and CT are selected when needed. Saline, appropriate nasal medicines and sometimes surgery may form an individual plan. Not every sinus complaint needs antibiotics.
Seek emergency care for swelling around the eye, reduced vision, severe unusual headache or neurological symptoms. Use sterile, distilled or previously boiled and cooled water in nasal irrigation devices.
This information does not replace an individual consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on a medical assessment.
Consultation and treatment