mucocele, mucus retention cyst

A mucocele¹ or mucus retention cyst is a mucus-filled cyst in one of the sinus cavities of the head. These cysts grow slowly within the sinus cavity, and eventually may cause symptoms due to the pressure of an enlarging mass. Maxillary cysts (the sinus cavities beneath the eyes) do not usually become large enough to cause problems. Frontal sinus cysts are the most likely to cause symptoms, which can include frontal headache (in the forehead above the eyes) and bulging of the eye (proptosis) on the affected side, with double vision (diplopia) as a result. Surgery may be necessary to remove the cyst.

1. Literally, "sac of mucus." See hydrocoele, literally a "sac of water."

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