Treating a cyst on your tonsils primarily involves surgical intervention. The most common approaches are either the direct removal of the cyst (surgical excision) or, in some cases, the complete removal of the tonsil (tonsillectomy).
Primary Treatment Options
When a cyst is identified on the tonsil, the standard medical approach is surgical. This ensures the complete removal of the lesion and prevents potential complications. The two main surgical options include:
- Surgical Excision of the Cyst: This involves carefully cutting out and removing only the cyst itself, leaving the rest of the tonsil intact. This method is preferred when the cyst is well-defined and easily separable from the tonsil tissue.
- Tonsillectomy: In cases where the cyst is large, deeply embedded, recurrent, or if there are other underlying issues with the tonsil, the surgeon may recommend removing the entire tonsil. This ensures all affected tissue is removed.
Important Considerations During Excision
A critical aspect of the surgical procedure for removing a tonsil cyst is the method of extraction. According to medical guidelines, the cyst should be excised without opening it [13]. This is crucial because the contents of the cyst can have an irritating effect on the surrounding fibrovascular tissue if spilled. By removing the cyst intact, surgeons minimize the risk of inflammation or other adverse reactions in the surrounding areas.
