What causes Thornwaldt cyst
Victoria Simmons
Published May 05, 2026
Tornwaldt cyst or Thornwaldt cyst or Nasopharyngeal cyst represents the remnant of notochord. It is usually small and accidentally diagnosed on MRI. Large sized cyst may presents with nasal, ear or cervical symptoms. Recurrent nasopharyngeal infection and trauma are common etiological factor.
How is a Thornwaldt cyst treated?
When the lesion is large, symptomatic or close to the Eustachian tube torus, surgery by marsupialization is the treatment option. For small lesions, the endonasal approach is recommended but for large lesions, a transoral retrovelar approach using a 70 degree telescope is the method of choice.
How rare is a Thornwaldt cyst?
Introduction. Tornwaldt cyst (TC) is a relatively rare but benign disease. It is a developmental lesion within the midline of the nasopharynx [1]. An incidence of 1.4–3.3% was reported by some authors in the literature [2,3].
Is Thornwaldt cyst a tumor?
Tornwaldt’s cyst is a benign tumour, usually located in the midline of the posterior nasopharyngeal wall. MRI is considered the best imaging examination to diagnose this inflammatory benign cyst. It is commonly asymptomatic and requires no treatment.What is considered a large Thornwaldt cyst?
Most cysts are small, measuring less than 1 cm in diameter and are discovered incidentally. Some are larger, causing nasal obstruction, snoring, halitosis, clearing of the throat, eustachian tube dysfunction, and a feeling of ear fullness.
Where is a Thornwaldt cyst located?
Thornwaldt cysts are developmental benign cysts that present in the midline within the nasopharynx. There is a persistent communication between the roof of the nasopharynx and the notochord.
Can Tornwaldt cyst cause seizures?
The overall rate was 0.06% (32/53,013). The most common indications for imaging in these patients were headache, seizures, dizziness/vertigo, and pharyngeal symptoms. We also report the case of a patient with a symptomatic Tornwaldt’s cyst whose symptoms resolved after treatment with endoscopic marsupialization.
What is done when a nasopharyngeal cyst is found?
Most cysts are small and asymptomatic, but if they grow or become infected, they may cause nasal obstruction, postnasal drip, halitosis, occipital headache, neck stiffness and eustachian tube dysfunction. When the cyst is large or symptomatic, surgery by excision or marsupialization is the treatment option.What is a Thornwaldt Bursa?
Thornwaldt’s bursa, also known as nasopharyngeal bursa, is a recess in the midline of the nasopharynx, which is produced by persistent notochord remnants. If the opening of the bursa is occluded, benign midline nasopharyngeal mucosal cyst called Thornwaldt cyst develops. Thornwaldt cysts are almost always asymptomatic.
Are cysts in the neck common?Cystic hygromas are the most common form of lymphangioma; 75% of these occur in the neck, usually centered in the posterior triangle or the sub-mandibular space.
Article first time published onWhat is the nasopharynx?
Listen to pronunciation. (NAY-zoh-FAYR-inx) The upper part of the throat behind the nose. An opening on each side of the nasopharynx leads into the ear.
How do you get rid of a cyst in your throat?
Your doctor will likely recommend surgery to remove a cyst, especially if it’s been infected or is causing you to have trouble breathing or swallowing. This type of surgery is called the Sistrunk procedure.
What does Marsupialization mean in medical terms?
Marsupialization is a surgical procedure that removes cysts in a way that makes them less likely to return. Once the cyst has been opened and drained, the edges are sutured together to form a permanently open “pocket” or “pouch” that allows fluid to drain easily.
What is prominent nasopharyngeal soft tissue?
Nasopharyngeal soft tissue is most commonly adenoid hypertrophy in children. Although rare, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) does occur in children. Nasal obstruction, serous otitis media, hearing problems, and tinnitus are common signs and symptoms of all nasal diseases.
What is fossa of Rosenmuller?
The fossa of Rosenmüller is a bilateral projection of the nasopharynx just below the skull base. It is also called the lateral pharyngeal recess or simply the pharyngeal recess. The fossa is covered by nasopharyngeal mucosa and is the most common site of origin of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
Is Thornwaldt cyst congenital?
Of Thornwaldt cyst is a congenital disease,nasopharyngeal top and posterior wall of the center of the infected cyst,which is rare in clinic,a lower incidence is a benign lesion,most cases have no symptoms,mostly through electronic endoscopic imaging system or radiological examination have been sent.
What causes a mucous retention cyst?
Mucous cysts are most commonly caused by trauma to the oral cavity, such as: lip biting (most common cause) cheek biting. piercings.
What is a Bartholin cyst Marsupialization?
Marsupialisation. If a cyst or abscess keeps coming back, a surgical procedure known as marsupialisation may be used. The cyst is first opened with a cut and the fluid is drained out. The edges of the skin are then stitched to create a small “kangaroo pouch”, which allows any further fluid to drain out.
Can a tonsil cyst cause ear pain?
A larger cyst may feel like a foreign object in the back of the throat and cause difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms may include: pain. an earache.
What causes an epidermal inclusion cyst?
Epidermal inclusion cysts form when the follicular infundibulum is disrupted, or when the surface of the skin becomes implanted below the skin through an injury or trauma in the area, such as a scratch, surgical wound or a skin condition like acne.
What is a neck cyst?
What are neck cysts? Neck cysts are a common problem for infants and children, are usually benign masses, and may be present at birth. Common types are: Branchial cleft abnormalities: These tissues may form cysts (pockets that contain fluid) or fistulas (passages that drain to an opening in the skin surface).
What can happen if a cyst is left untreated?
Some cysts are cancerous and early treatment is vital. If left untreated, benign cysts can cause serious complications including: Infection – the cyst fills with bacteria and pus, and becomes an abscess. If the abscess bursts inside the body, there is a risk of blood poisoning (septicaemia).
How do you know if the cyst is cancerous?
If the lump has solid components, due to tissue rather than liquid or air, it could be either benign or malignant. However, the only way to confirm whether a cyst or tumor is cancerous is to have it biopsied by your doctor. This involves surgically removing some or all of the lump.
How do you treat a sinus cyst?
Then, the cyst may be removed through a minor endoscopic sinus surgery that includes either enucleation, which is removing the entire lesion without rupturing it, or using curettage, which removes the cyst with a special loop-shaped instrument. Most people report no pain or minimal discomfort following surgery.
Can cysts in the neck be cancerous?
Understanding lumps on the neck Neck lumps or masses can be large and visible, or they can be very small. Most neck lumps aren’t harmful. Most are also benign, or noncancerous. But a neck lump can also be a sign of a serious condition, such as an infection or a cancerous growth.
When does a neck cyst burst?
If the cyst wall ruptures, it will expose surrounding tissue to the keratin inside. 1 This is a problem because the contents can be very irritating. A ruptured cyst can become red, swollen, and painful. If this happens, it’s best to see your doctor.
Can stress cause lumps on neck?
Anxiety and stress can also cause a considerable amount of muscle tension in your neck. You may feel like you have a lump in the throat, while another person may feel more pressure on the sides of the neck towards the lymph nodes.
What is the job of nasopharynx?
The nasopharynx functions as an airway in the respiratory system. Also contained within the nasopharynx are the adenoids, or pharyngeal tonsils.
Why is the nasopharynx important?
Nasopharynx: It is situated in the space between the back of the nose and soft palate. It is continuous with the nasal cavity and forms the upper part of the respiratory system. It plays an important role in transferring air from the nose to the larynx.
Where is the nasopharyngeal area?
The nasopharynx is the upper part of the throat (pharynx) that lies behind the nose. It’s a box-like chamber about 1½ inches on each edge. It lies just above the soft part of the roof of the mouth (soft palate) and just in back of the nasal passages.
Can cysts be cancerous?
A cyst can form in any part of the body, including bones, organs and soft tissues. Most cysts are noncancerous (benign), but sometimes cancer can cause a cyst. Tumor.