Can a maxillary sinus retention cyst be cancerous?

@kewp, eventhough malignant tumours of maxillary sinus are rare, I can understand your wanting to be sure about the diagnosis.

Maxillary sinus retention cysts are relatively common, many people don’t know they have them. In most cases, these cysts have no symptoms and are only discovered in an imaging exam. Did you only find out you had the cyst because of the dental imaging being done for other reasons? Did you ask the ENT specialist if further imaging might rule out cancer?

Yes, my DDS was concerned because it became larger since last panoramic X-ray. I didn’t think to ask my ENT about a CT scan, because he was rather dismissive about the whole thing & seemed irritated at my question of any treatment. He went on to clean wax from my ears. I could ask my general Dr. I’m concerned that the growth takes up so much space, leaving only half the sinus clear. And seems to be entire lateral edge, rather than from floor of sinus as I’ve seen online. But then I can’t read X-rays! I do have long Hx of migraine h/a & chronic vasomotor rhinitis, very bad colds with total nasal congestion & when it starts draining, there is so much more on Left, I have to blow & blow tho I know you’re supposed to suck it in! (ENT said all that mucus comes from nasal membranes, not retention cyst, another irritating question I asked).
(I was actually at Mayo in 1981 with my 1st ITP episode where I complained of my “bad sinus colds”, was taking Sudafed. I went for opinion on splenectomy, but miraculously, my platelet count came up on that very day of visit, after being on high-dose steroid. Mayo Heme said not to takeOTC cold Rx & see if 10 years I’m ok, then can take. I did! But relapse after 19 yrs & 2 more).

I would like some information regarding maxillary sinus cysts and tumors.
My 26 year old son felt a small bump under the skin on his left cheek next to his nose about a month ago.
The bump is not visible; it can only be felt when touching that area of the face. He also has some congestion, sneezing and last weekend he had a couple of mild headaches. His general doctor thought that it was a cyst and told my son that it may or may not go away.
My son, Joe decided to see an ENT yesterday. The ENT told Joe that he could feel the lump on the outside wall of the maxillary sinus and said that it is either a cyst or a tumor. The ENT gave Joe medication to clear up the congestion and mucus, and then he is to have a CT scan in 2 weeks.
We are all devastated at the possibility of this being a tumor.
I have been reading online about sinus cysts and tumors and the information just adds to all the fear of it being a tumor.,
Here is a little more background info on my son. He doesn’t smoke and only drinks occasionally when going out with friends. He has been working for Conductix for the last 4 years. It is a Precision Machine and tool and die company. He is sometimes exposed to dust from metal products.
Here are my questions:
1. Is it common to see sinus cancers in men in their 20’s?
2. I read that sinus cancers are mostly found in the maxillary sinus and that tumors found there are very aggressive with a poor prognosis. The lump my son can feel is in the maxillary sinus. Is there a high possibility that this could be a tumor?
3. The ENT stated that the lump is on the outside wall of the sinus. Does that mean it is not actually inside the sinus cavity?
My son has never had anything like this before. Growing up he had a few ear infections and as he got older he had occasional sinus infections from colds. He also grew up on a farm around corn and soybeans and animal dust from raising goats, and our entire family suffers with seasonal allergies.
We are all very concerned about what to expect. Any additional information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

@kppestal, I can imagine that you and your family are nervous and concerned. Sinus cancers in general are rare, but do happen more often in men than women. As I posted above, maxillary sinus retention cysts are relatively common, many people don’t know they have them.

You are asking very good question that I encourage you to ask your son's ENT specialist. Has the medication helped to clear the congestion?

Hi!! I have the same Lump and a thon load of allergies I’m really concerned and until my next schedule can you please let me know what happened to your son? Thank you and I wish you the best!

Hi @luuuhmoraes, when is your next appointment to check on the lump? Will you be seeing an ENT specialist?