Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Impression Cytology of the Lid Wiper Area
Published on: August 9, 2016
[Intermittent swelling of the eyelid]
T Nguyen1, D Kuijpers, J Companjen
1Amphia Ziekenhuis, Breda.
Background:
Mucoceles are benign mucous-containing cysts that can occur in the sinuses. They arise as a result of an obstruction of the sinus ostium. There is often a delay in diagnosis because symptoms are so variable.
Case Description:
A 52-year-old woman had intermittent swelling of the eyelid. A CT scan of the sinuses showed a mucocele in the frontal sinus with breakthrough to the left orbit. Treatment consisted of marsupialisation by means of functional endoscopic sinus surgery with septum correction.
Conclusion:
Breakthrough of a mucocele to the orbit should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with an intermittent swelling of the eyelid.
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