Does pharyngitis and epiglottic cyst require surgery?

In addition to epiglottic cysts caused by congenital reasons, long-term inflammation, mechanical stimulation, mechanical trauma, etc. may all lead to epiglottic cysts. Adults do not have any obvious symptoms. Some may feel uncomfortable in the throat and feel like there is a foreign body in the throat. Usually, the effect of drug treatment is not very good, so it is best to perform surgical removal.

Causes

The causes of the disease are congenital and acquired.

1. Congenital

The epiglottis is congenitally malformed, and a small cyst is formed under the mucosa. After birth, the sac gradually expands as the baby develops. It is filled with mucus and gradually forms a cyst, which is a congenital epiglottic cyst.

2. Acquired

Chronic laryngeal inflammation, mechanical stimulation and trauma cause obstruction of the mucous glands in the epiglottic mucosa and accumulation of glandular secretions, thus forming an acquired epiglottic cyst. Common ones include retention cysts and epidermoid cysts. Retention cysts are more common on the lingual surface of the epiglottis, and epidermoid cysts are more common in the epiglottic vallecula.

examine

Indirect laryngoscopy showed that the cyst was located on the lingual surface of the epiglottis, and the larger ones filled the entire epiglottic valley. The cyst is hemispherical, with a wide pedicle and a smooth surface that is grayish white, light yellow or light red, with tiny blood vessels running across it. The cyst wall is generally very thin and feels wavy to the touch. The viscous contents, which are milky white or brown in color, can be sucked out with a syringe. If there is secondary infection, it will be pus.

diagnosis

Because the medical history and symptoms are non-specific, it is difficult to distinguish it from chronic pharyngitis and early pharyngeal tumors, and the diagnosis mainly relies on clinical examination. Therefore, patients with throat discomfort should go to the hospital for regular check-ups.

treat

For tiny cysts, no treatment is needed for the time being and close observation is sufficient. Larger cysts should be removed surgically. Simple puncture and aspiration will inevitably lead to recurrence. The recommended surgical method is to perform resection under general anesthesia with supported laryngoscopy. Resection can also be performed using laser, microwave, low-temperature plasma, etc.

Prognosis

Eat cold liquid or semi-liquid food within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. If there is obvious bleeding, go to the hospital for examination as soon as possible. It is generally not easy to relapse after surgery.

prevention

Develop good living habits, ensure adequate sleep, exercise appropriately, avoid fatigue and colds, maintain oral hygiene, and quit smoking and drinking. If you have throat discomfort, go to the outpatient clinic for regular check-ups and receive targeted treatment.