Nasolabial Cyst Presenting as a Painful Nasolabial Fold Swelling: A Case Report

Nasolabial cysts represent uncommon, non-odontogenic soft tissue lesions believed to arise from remnants of the nasolacrimal duct, and are a rare form of cysts in the maxillofacial region. They most frequently occur in women during their fourth and fifth decades of life and usually appear as a slow-growing, painless swelling located in the nasolabial fold. We present the case of a 31-year-old female patient with a six-month history of a painful, soft, fluctuant, 3x3 cm nasolabial fold swelling. CT suggested a cystic lesion, confirmed as a nasolabial cyst after intraoral excision via sublabial incision and histopathological examination. Nasolabial cysts are rare and can pose diagnostic challenges due to their nonspecific presentation, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nasolabial fold swellings. CT and MRI are vital for cyst evaluation. Surgical excision ensures favourable outcomes with minimal recurrence risk. This case highlights that early diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for excellent prognosis and also reinforces the importance of awareness and timely management to prevent complications and achieve optimal patient outcomes.