Conservative approach of a maxillary sinus mucocele

Abstract

Background: Maxillary sinus mucocele is a benign cystic lesion caused due to mucus retention. The aim of this article is to relate a singular case of MSM development after dental extraction. We believe that previous dental extraction procedure of teeth 26, must have established some degree of Oroantral Comunnication, allowing the maxillary sinus epithelial inclusion into the alveolar socket. Case presentation: A 32-year-old male patient presented to the Oral Medicine service in the authors’ institution, with a chief complaint of left-sided facial swelling with slow growth and development for 2 years. Intra oral examination revealed a symptomatic circumscribed lesion of approximately 5–6 cm without mobility, firm on palpation, located in the vestibular sulcus on left-sided maxilla. It was situated in the region between teeth 25 to 27, with the teeth 26 being absent The lateral wall was surgically removed from the cystic cavity, followed by conservative decompression allowing gradual pneumatization of the maxillary sinus. The lesion response comprised regression in size, swelling, and pain, preserving the affected site and benefiting the patient with possible rehabilitation in the future. At the 2-year follow-up, the patient reported no complications. Conclusion: This study case demonstrated that MSM could be confused with tumors from an odontogenic nature, sometimes presenting an aggressive growth pattern. Although numerous treatment modalities exist for the treatment of MSM, the conservative technique promotes effective tissue preservation and benefits to the patient.

Keywords

• Mucocele
• Maxillary sinus
• Oral pathology
• Marsupialization
• Oral medicine
• Case report