Between 2001 and 2010, we treated 34 cases of paranasal sinus cysts with orbital symptoms. The subjects were 20 men and 14 women, aged 15 to 88 years (mean: 60.5 years). The paranasal sinus cysts were located in the frontal sinus in 15 cases, anterior ethmoid sinus in 12 cases, posterior ethmoid sinus in 8 cases, sphenoid sinus in 5 cases, and maxillary sinus in 2 cases. The symptoms included diplopia (9 cases), exophthalmos (8 cases), eyelid swelling (7 cases), visual disturbance (5 cases), orbital pain (4 cases), orbital discomfort (2 cases), and epiphora (2 cases). The cysts were postoperative in 24 cases and primary in 8 cases. Most patients tended to visit departments other than the department of otolaryngology, with only 5 patients initially visiting the department of otolaryngology. While the symptoms improved in 32 cases, little improvement was seen in 2 cases. Both of these latter symptoms 2 cases presented with visual disturbance. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for cases presenting with visual disturbance, as the symptoms may not respond satisfactorily to treatment if the treatment is delayed. Therefore, it is important for doctors in departments other than the department of otolaryngology also to be aware about this condition.
