RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Mucocele is a pseudo-cystic tumor of the paranasal sinuses. Despite its benign histological nature, it is aggressive towards neighboring structures (orbit and brain). Our aim was to study the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and evolution aspects of this pathology. PATIENT AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study over a period of 9 years on 32 patients operated on and followed for mucocele in our department. RESULTS: Mean age was 43.28 years with a sex ratio to 1. Mucoceles were located in the fronto-ethmoid sinus (27 cases), the maxillary sinus (3 cases) and the sphenoid sinus (2 cases). The most common symptoms were periorbital swelling and exophthalmia. CT scan confirmed the diagnosis in the majority of cases. MRI was performed in 3 patients. Surgery consisted in a large marsupialization by endonasal approach in 30 cases, and by a combined approach in two cases. A recurrence was observed in two patients after a mean period of 18 months. DISCUSSION: Mucocele is a benign and expansive pseudo-cystic tumor, affecting mostly adults and developing in the paranasal sinuses. Clinical symptoms are not specific. It may reveal itself by ophthalmic or intracranial complications. Diagnosis is based on imaging (CT and MRI). Endonasal surgery has become the gold standard for the treatment of mucoceles and is endowed with low morbidity.