Nasolabial cysts: clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment.

The aim of this study was to review our experience, examine the clinical and pathological features of nasolabial cysts, and to provide a basis for the diagnosis and treatment in an Asian population. We made a retrospective review of patients with nasolabial cysts who were treated at the Department of Otolaryngology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital between January 1999 and December 2004. Clinical data, presenting symptoms, clinical features, pathological findings, preoperative investigations, treatment, and outcome were analysed for each case. We found 17 patients with nasolabial cysts. The findings of adult onset, higher incidence among women and preponderance on the left side confirmed current opinion. The clinical diagnosis of nasolabial cyst was accurate in all cases. Preoperative computed tomograms (CTs) done for one patient did not alter the management. All patients had the cysts excised completely through a sublabial incision. Breaches of the nasal vestibular mucosa healed spontaneously without repair. Histopathological examination showed that cysts were lined with pseudostratified columnar (n=9), stratified squamous (n=4), mixed respiratory and squamous epithelium (n=3), and simple cuboidal epithelium (n=1). No patient developed complications or recurrences. Nasolabial cysts are relatively common in Singapore, and the diagnosis must be kept in mind if they are to be treated early. Diagnosis is based on clinical features and the treatment of choice is complete excision.