Bilateral Nasoalveolar Cyst Causing Nasal Obstruction

Abstract

Nasoalveolar cysts, non-odontogenic in origin, are soft-tissue lesions of the upper jaw, are derived from nasolacrimal canal epithelium, and are mostly unilateral but sometimes bilateral. Another theory about its etiology is that it occurs because of embryonic fissure cysts. These lesions are thought to be developmental. They can cause swelling and nasal obstruction in the upper lip, alar area, and palate. In this case report, we discuss the role of nasoalveolar cysts in nasal obstruction and how they can be bilateral. A 31-year-old female patient visited our clinic with complaints of nasal obstruction and swelling in front of the nose for 2 years. An anterior rhinoscopic examination revealed a mass and stenosis in both nasal vestibules. Computed tomography revealed a mass-like nasoalveolar cyst in the inferior alar region. Under general anesthesia, a 1-cm mass from the right side and a 2-cm mass from the left side were excised, which were pathologically confirmed as nasoalveolar cysts. Nasoalveolar lesions are rare and mostly unilateral. Bilateral nasoalveolar cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nasal obstruction.