David Vernick, M.D. is assistant clinical professor of otology and laryngology at Harvard Medical School and interim chief of the Division of Otology and Laryngology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Question:

I had a CT scan for chronic sinusitis. I was told I had a cyst in my sinus cavity. Can you give me info about cysts in sinuses and how to get rid of them?

Answer:

Cysts in the maxillary sinus, a pair of air-containing bony cavities in our face that make up the contour of our cheeks, are common. Up to 10% of people have them.

Cysts are simply bags of fluid that sit in the lining of tissues. It is unclear how we get them, but they rarely cause any symptoms. They usually are found on CT or MRI scans. A radiologist can usually distinguish them from a tumor or mucocele or something of concern.

If the cysts do not block the natural drainage opening of the sinus, no treatment is necessary.

If you are concerned about the cyst or have persistent symptoms, an evaluation by an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) can tell you if your symptoms are related. There is no medical treatment for the cysts. If your doctor is concerned that your cyst looks abnormal, he or she may recommend surgical removal. This is usually done with an endoscope through the nose as an outpatient procedure.