Symptoms and severity depend on the size and location of the cyst, and the amount of airway that is blocked. Sometimes the symptoms do not show up for days or weeks, even when a baby is born with them. Infants may have the following symptoms:

• Noisy breathing or stridor. The cysts may restrict the airway causing a noisy, raspy or rattling sound when breathing in and/or out.
• A weak cry. The airway may be too narrow to allow enough air to pass to produce a louder cry.
• Difficulty feeding. The narrow airway may make it difficult to swallow.
• Severe respiratory distress. Breathing can be difficult depending on the amount of blockage caused by the cyst. If the blockage is too large, it can be fatal.
• Hoarseness

Your doctor may perform any of the following tests:

• An endoscopy. A flexible fiber-optic scope is passed through the nose to check for any cysts in the larynx.
• A computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests help define the problem.
• Microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. A test that uses a special telescope to look into the airway. This test is done to confirm the diagnosis and treatment.

Saccular cysts make breathing difficult, so immediate treatment is important. Depending on the size and location of the cysts, it may be removed one of two ways:

1. Removed during endoscopy or with a laser. A portion of the cyst is removed to avoid it coming back.
2. Through surgery with a small incision on the side of the neck, a small portion of the cyst may be removed. Your child may need a breathing tube overnight after the procedure.

A microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy may be needed one to two months later to make sure the cyst has not reformed.

Call 911 immediately if your child cannot breathe, turns blue, or is unconscious. Call your doctor if your child is having trouble breathing.