Nasolabial cysts: A systematic review of 311 cases.

Objectives/hypothesis: Nasolabial cysts are rare nonodontogenic cysts arising commonly in the nasal alar region. Intraoral sublabial resection of nasolabial cysts is considered the standard treatment modality. In the past 16 years, transnasal endoscopic marsupialization has emerged as an alternative approach for these lesions. A systematic review on this entity was performed to evaluate management and outcomes.

Data Sources: PubMed/MEDLINE Database.

Methods: A search of literature including nasolabial cysts, nasoalveolar cysts, and Klestadt's cysts was performed using the PubMed/MEDLINE database. Parameters regarding presentation, treatment, imaging, histology, and complications were extracted and subsequently analyzed.

Results: Seventy-nine articles with 311 patient cases were included in this analysis. In cases reporting location, nasolabial cysts occurred 46.9%, 37.5%, and 10.9% on the left, right, and bilaterally, respectively. The most common presenting complaint was facial swelling in 168 out of 237 patients (70.9%). Computed tomography was the most commonly employed imaging study (n = 170). Surgical excision of nasolabial cysts was performed using an intraoral sublabial approach in 184 patients. Seventy-nine patients underwent endoscopic transnasal marsupialization. The most common complication following surgical treatment of nasolabial cysts was postoperative facial/perinasal swelling. Three and two recurrences were reported in the sublabial excision group and transnasal marsupialization group, respectively. Mean follow-up time was 20.0 months.

Conclusions: Endoscopic transnasal marsupialization is a relatively new alternative to intraoral sublabial resection of nasolabial cysts, with similar efficacy. The rates of postoperative swelling, pain, and recurrence are similar in both groups.