Cysts are common, sac-like structures that can develop in various parts of the body, often filled with fluid, air, or other materials. Retention cysts are a frequent, typically benign type, resulting from a specific physiological process. This article explains their formation, common occurrences, identification, and management.
Understanding Retention Cysts
A retention cyst forms when a duct or gland becomes obstructed, causing its secretions to accumulate. This forms a closed sac that gradually expands as more fluid or substances are trapped inside.
These cysts are usually non-cancerous, containing the body’s own secretions like mucus, oil, or sweat. Obstruction can arise from inflammation, trauma, or thickened secretions, creating a dome-shaped, fluid-filled lesion.
Common Types and Locations
Retention cysts can appear throughout the body where glands and ducts are present. A common example is a sebaceous cyst, forming when a sebaceous gland in the skin becomes blocked, trapping sebum. These often appear as smooth, movable lumps beneath the skin’s surface.
Another frequent type is a mucous retention cyst, occurring in the mouth or sinuses. In the mouth, these develop when small salivary gland ducts are obstructed, leading to mucus collection, often appearing on the lips or inside the cheeks. In the paranasal sinuses, especially the maxillary sinuses, mucous retention cysts form due to blocked submucosal glands, accumulating mucus. Nabothian cysts, found on the cervix, are also a type of retention cyst, resulting from blocked mucus-secreting glands.
Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Retention cysts often present as a small, palpable lump that may or may not cause discomfort. Symptoms depend on the cyst’s size and location; a mouth cyst might cause fullness or interfere with chewing, while a sinus cyst might lead to headaches or nasal obstruction if large enough. Many smaller retention cysts are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during medical examinations or imaging.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination where a healthcare professional assesses the lump’s characteristics: size, texture, and mobility. Imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI may confirm the diagnosis, determine the cyst’s size and location, and rule out other conditions. A medical professional can differentiate retention cysts from other growths.
Management of retention cysts varies based on symptoms and location. Asymptomatic cysts often require no treatment, with a “wait and see” approach common, as some may resolve spontaneously. If a cyst causes pain, becomes infected, interferes with function, or is a cosmetic concern, treatment options may include fluid drainage or surgical removal. Endoscopic sinus surgery, for example, is a common approach for symptomatic maxillary sinus retention cysts.