Nasolabial cyst: review of literature and a case report

The nasolabial cyst is a rare non-odontogenic cyst that develops within the skin adjacent to the ala of nose around the uppermost portion of the nasolabial crease; its pathogenesis is uncertain. This lesion grows slowly and measures between 1.5 to 3.0 cm; it is characterized clinically by a floating tumefaction in the nasolabial sulcus, which elevates the upper lip. The diagnosis is essentially based on the clinical findings. Bi-digital palpation revealed fluctulance between the floor of nasal vestibule and the gingivobuccal sulcus, which helps to confirm the diagnosis. This paper reports a case of a 35-year-old female patient that presented a soft swelling in the right ala of the nose; the clinical features suggested a nasolabial cyst. Complete surgical excision of the cyst was done under local anesthesia and the diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. In spite of the low occurrence of nasolabial cysts, it is important to recognize the clinical characteristics of this lesion. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature and discuss the histopathology, etiology and different treatment options of this condition.