title: [Fifty-four cases of nasolabial cysts].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nasolabial cysts (NLC) are a rare condition presenting as cystic epithelial lesion. We report the clinical and radiological (CT scan) aspects of this rare clinical entity and we assess the various available surgical treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-four patients presenting with NLC underwent surgery between 2000 and 2009. The diagnosis was made on clinical and radiological arguments and confirmed by histological examination after surgical excision. The studied parameters were: gender, functional signs having led to consultation, localization, results of radiological exploration, treatment modalities, anatomopathology and postoperative evolution.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average age of the 30 men and 24 women was 38 years with extremes ranging between 24 and 53 years. The reason for consultation was swelling of the anterior nasal floor in every case and a nasal obstruction for 33 patients. The average time between initial swelling and consultation was 18 months. Swelling was unilateral for 52 patients. CT scan was prescribed for 20 patients and revealed a cystic mass with an average diameter of 23 mm. Cyst excision was made under general anesthesia in every case. Most of the patients (52) were operated via a vestibular approach. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of nasolabial cyst in every case.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  NLC is a rare condition which must be suggested when a cystic mass is found in the anterior nasal floor. CT scan confirms the diagnosis and cyst extension. Cyst excision is performed by vestibular approach. The endoscopic marsupialization is an interesting new therapeutic alternative.
authors.affiliation: Service ORL et de CMF, CHU La Rabta, 1007 Bab-Saadoun, Tunis, Tunisia.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tababi
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chahed
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sellami
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Beltaief
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sahtout
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Besbes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008047:Lip Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000473:pathology; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis; D009631:Nonodontogenic Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D009668:Nose Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult