Tornwaldt cyst: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Tornwald_Zyste_MRT_FLAIR_sag.png| | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Tornwaldt cyst | |||
| image = [[File:Tornwald_Zyste_MRT_FLAIR_sag.png|250px]] | |||
| caption = MRI image showing a Tornwaldt cyst | |||
| field = [[Otorhinolaryngology]] | |||
| synonyms = Nasopharyngeal cyst, Thornwaldt's cyst | |||
| symptoms = Often asymptomatic, but can include [[nasal obstruction]], [[post-nasal drip]], [[headache]], [[halitosis]], and [[ear pain]] | |||
| complications = Rarely, [[infection]] or [[abscess]] formation | |||
| onset = Congenital, but symptoms may appear at any age | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = Developmental anomaly of the [[pharyngeal bursa]] | |||
| risks = None specifically identified | |||
| diagnosis = [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]], [[CT scan]], [[nasal endoscopy]] | |||
| differential = [[Nasopharyngeal carcinoma]], [[adenoid hypertrophy]], [[choanal polyp]] | |||
| treatment = Observation if asymptomatic, surgical removal if symptomatic | |||
| medication = Not typically used | |||
| prognosis = Excellent with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Tornwaldt cyst''' (also known as '''Tornwaldt's cyst''', '''nasopharyngeal cyst''', or '''pharyngeal bursa cyst''') is a benign cyst that occurs in the [[nasopharynx]], the upper part of the [[throat]] behind the [[nose]]. It is named after the German pathologist Gustav Ludwig Tornwaldt, who first described it in the 19th century. | |||
==Anatomy and Pathophysiology== | ==Anatomy and Pathophysiology== | ||
The [[nasopharynx]] is a part of the [[pharynx]] that lies above the soft palate and behind the nasal cavities. A Tornwaldt cyst arises from the [[pharyngeal bursa]], a midline recess in the nasopharyngeal mucosa. This cyst forms due to the persistence and subsequent cystic degeneration of the notochordal remnant in the nasopharynx. | The [[nasopharynx]] is a part of the [[pharynx]] that lies above the soft palate and behind the nasal cavities. A Tornwaldt cyst arises from the [[pharyngeal bursa]], a midline recess in the nasopharyngeal mucosa. This cyst forms due to the persistence and subsequent cystic degeneration of the notochordal remnant in the nasopharynx. | ||
==Clinical Presentation== | ==Clinical Presentation== | ||
Tornwaldt cysts are often asymptomatic and are usually discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other conditions. When symptoms do occur, they may include: | Tornwaldt cysts are often asymptomatic and are usually discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other conditions. When symptoms do occur, they may include: | ||
| Line 11: | Line 29: | ||
* [[Otitis media]] (middle ear infection) due to Eustachian tube dysfunction | * [[Otitis media]] (middle ear infection) due to Eustachian tube dysfunction | ||
* [[Headache]] | * [[Headache]] | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnosis of a Tornwaldt cyst is typically made through imaging studies such as: | The diagnosis of a Tornwaldt cyst is typically made through imaging studies such as: | ||
* [[Magnetic Resonance Imaging]] (MRI) | * [[Magnetic Resonance Imaging]] (MRI) | ||
* [[Computed Tomography]] (CT) scan | * [[Computed Tomography]] (CT) scan | ||
These imaging modalities help in identifying the cyst's location, size, and its relationship with surrounding structures. | These imaging modalities help in identifying the cyst's location, size, and its relationship with surrounding structures. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Asymptomatic Tornwaldt cysts generally do not require treatment. Symptomatic cysts may be managed through: | Asymptomatic Tornwaldt cysts generally do not require treatment. Symptomatic cysts may be managed through: | ||
* [[Surgical excision]]: Removal of the cyst via endoscopic surgery | * [[Surgical excision]]: Removal of the cyst via endoscopic surgery | ||
* [[Marsupialization]]: Creating an opening in the cyst to allow drainage | * [[Marsupialization]]: Creating an opening in the cyst to allow drainage | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for individuals with a Tornwaldt cyst is excellent, especially when the cyst is asymptomatic or successfully treated. Recurrence after surgical treatment is rare. | The prognosis for individuals with a Tornwaldt cyst is excellent, especially when the cyst is asymptomatic or successfully treated. Recurrence after surgical treatment is rare. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Nasopharynx]] | * [[Nasopharynx]] | ||
| Line 33: | Line 46: | ||
* [[Otitis media]] | * [[Otitis media]] | ||
* [[Nasal obstruction]] | * [[Nasal obstruction]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{Commons category|Tornwaldt cyst}} | {{Commons category|Tornwaldt cyst}} | ||
[[Category:Otorhinolaryngology]] | [[Category:Otorhinolaryngology]] | ||
[[Category:Congenital disorders of respiratory system]] | [[Category:Congenital disorders of respiratory system]] | ||
[[Category:Benign neoplasms]] | [[Category:Benign neoplasms]] | ||
[[Category:Nasopharynx]] | [[Category:Nasopharynx]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 19:33, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Tornwaldt cyst | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Nasopharyngeal cyst, Thornwaldt's cyst |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Often asymptomatic, but can include nasal obstruction, post-nasal drip, headache, halitosis, and ear pain |
| Complications | Rarely, infection or abscess formation |
| Onset | Congenital, but symptoms may appear at any age |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Developmental anomaly of the pharyngeal bursa |
| Risks | None specifically identified |
| Diagnosis | MRI, CT scan, nasal endoscopy |
| Differential diagnosis | Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, adenoid hypertrophy, choanal polyp |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Observation if asymptomatic, surgical removal if symptomatic |
| Medication | Not typically used |
| Prognosis | Excellent with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Tornwaldt cyst (also known as Tornwaldt's cyst, nasopharyngeal cyst, or pharyngeal bursa cyst) is a benign cyst that occurs in the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat behind the nose. It is named after the German pathologist Gustav Ludwig Tornwaldt, who first described it in the 19th century.
Anatomy and Pathophysiology[edit]
The nasopharynx is a part of the pharynx that lies above the soft palate and behind the nasal cavities. A Tornwaldt cyst arises from the pharyngeal bursa, a midline recess in the nasopharyngeal mucosa. This cyst forms due to the persistence and subsequent cystic degeneration of the notochordal remnant in the nasopharynx.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Tornwaldt cysts are often asymptomatic and are usually discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other conditions. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Nasal obstruction
- Postnasal drip
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Otitis media (middle ear infection) due to Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Headache
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of a Tornwaldt cyst is typically made through imaging studies such as:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan
These imaging modalities help in identifying the cyst's location, size, and its relationship with surrounding structures.
Treatment[edit]
Asymptomatic Tornwaldt cysts generally do not require treatment. Symptomatic cysts may be managed through:
- Surgical excision: Removal of the cyst via endoscopic surgery
- Marsupialization: Creating an opening in the cyst to allow drainage
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for individuals with a Tornwaldt cyst is excellent, especially when the cyst is asymptomatic or successfully treated. Recurrence after surgical treatment is rare.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
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External Links[edit]
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