A Short note on Mucocele-Oral Surgey

Definition

Mucoceles, or mucous cysts, are a common phenomenon or lesion of the oral mucosa, originating from minor salivary glands and their ducts.

Etiology

Local minor trauma and duct rupture or ductal obstruction, probably due to a mucous plug.

Mucocele of Lower Lip

Mucocele Of Tongue

Clinical features

Two main types of mucocele are recognized, according to their pathogenesis:  

• Extravasation mucocele (common), which results from duct rupture due to trauma and spillage of mucin into the surrounding soft tissues;
• Mucous retention cyst (uncommon), which usually results fromductal dilation due to ductal obstruction.
  

Clinically, mucocele presents as a painless, dome-shaped, solitary, bluish or translucent, fluctuant swelling that ranges in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter (Figs.).

Clinical features

A common finding is that the cyst partially empties and then re-forms due to the accumulation of new fluid.

The lower lip is the most common site of involvement, usually laterally, at the level of the bicuspids.

Less common sites are the buccal mucosa, tongue, floor of the mouth, and soft palate.

Extravasation mucoceles display a peak incidence during the second and third decades, while the mucous retention types are more common in older age groups.

Laboratory tests

Histopathological examination.

Differential diagnosis

• Lymphangioma,
• Hemangioma,
• Lipoma,
• Mucoepidermoid
• Carcinoma,
• Sjögren syndrome,
• Lymphoepithelial cyst.

Treatment

Surgical excision or cryosurgery.

Surgical Excision of Mucocele-Videos

Surgical removal of mucocele from lower lip