Evaluation of nasoalveolar cysts for the facial plastic surgeon

Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2003 Mar-Apr;5(2):185-8. doi: 10.1001/archfaci.5.2.185.

Abstract

Asymmetrical alar flare without a history of trauma, surgery, or congenital clefting is extremely rare; therefore, a thorough investigation into the underlying reasons for the asymmetry should be undertaken before a unilateral alar base resection is performed. Nasoalveolar cyst is a readily apparent diagnosis that should not be missed after proper intranasal and intraoral examination. Excision is recommended via a sublabial approach. We describe a patient in whom a unilateral alar base reduction was initially recommended, when in fact she had a nasoalveolar cyst. We also discuss the histologic characteristics, embryological pattern, and differential diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alveolar Process / diagnostic imaging
  • Alveolar Process / pathology*
  • Alveolar Process / surgery*
  • Cysts / diagnostic imaging
  • Cysts / pathology*
  • Cysts / surgery*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maxillary Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Maxillary Diseases / pathology*
  • Maxillary Diseases / surgery*
  • Nasal Cavity / diagnostic imaging
  • Nasal Cavity / pathology*
  • Nasal Cavity / surgery*
  • Nose Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Nose Diseases / pathology*
  • Nose Diseases / surgery*
  • Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed