Ranula: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:25, 15 December 2024

Ranula

A ranula is a type of mucocele found on the floor of the mouth. It is a swelling that occurs due to the accumulation of saliva from a ruptured salivary gland duct, typically the sublingual gland. The term "ranula" is derived from the Latin word "rana," meaning "frog," due to the swelling's resemblance to a frog's underbelly.

Pathophysiology

Ranulas occur when there is a disruption in the normal flow of saliva from the sublingual gland. This can be due to trauma, obstruction, or congenital anomalies. The saliva leaks into the surrounding tissues, forming a cyst-like structure. There are two main types of ranulas:

Simple Ranula: Confined to the floor of the mouth.
Plunging Ranula: Extends beyond the floor of the mouth into the neck.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with a ranula typically present with a painless, bluish, translucent swelling on the floor of the mouth. In the case of a plunging ranula, there may be a swelling in the neck as well. Symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing if the ranula is large enough to obstruct the airway.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a ranula is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance and location of the swelling. Imaging studies such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan can be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the lesion, especially in cases of plunging ranulas.

Treatment

The treatment of ranulas depends on the size and type of the lesion. Options include:

Marsupialization: Creating a surgical window in the ranula to allow continuous drainage.
Excision: Complete removal of the ranula and the affected gland.
Sclerotherapy: Injection of a sclerosing agent to shrink the ranula.

Recurrence is common if the underlying gland is not addressed, particularly in simple marsupialization.

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for ranulas is generally good. However, recurrence can occur, especially if the sublingual gland is not removed.

Also see

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== Ranula ==
+Ranula
-[[File:Ranula human 09.jpg|thumb|right|A typical presentation of a ranula under the tongue.]]
+A '''[[ranula]]''' is a type of [[mucocele]] found on the floor of the mouth. It is a swelling that occurs due to the accumulation of saliva from a ruptured salivary gland duct, typically the [[sublingual gland]]. The term "ranula" is derived from the Latin word "rana," meaning "frog," due to the swelling's resemblance to a frog's underbelly.
-A '''Ranula''' is a type of mucous cyst that usually occurs on the underside of the tongue in the oral cavity. It is characterized by a swelling that resembles a frog's underbelly, which is where it gets its name (‘Ranula’ comes from the Latin word ‘rana’, meaning frog).
+==Pathophysiology==
+Ranulas occur when there is a disruption in the normal flow of saliva from the sublingual gland. This can be due to trauma, obstruction, or congenital anomalies. The saliva leaks into the surrounding tissues, forming a cyst-like structure. There are two main types of ranulas:
-<youtube>
+* '''[[Simple Ranula]]''': Confined to the floor of the mouth.
-title='''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+* '''[[Plunging Ranula]]''': Extends beyond the floor of the mouth into the neck.
-movie_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/guH9jQtLId4
-&rel=1
-embed_source_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/guH9jQtLId4
-&rel=1
-wrap = yes
-width=750
-height=600
-</youtube>
-== Causes ==
+==Clinical Presentation==
-Ranulas are typically caused by the obstruction of salivary glands under the tongue. This obstruction leads to the accumulation of saliva, forming a cyst. Common causes of obstruction include trauma, infection, or stones in the salivary gland ducts.
+Patients with a ranula typically present with a painless, bluish, translucent swelling on the floor of the mouth. In the case of a plunging ranula, there may be a swelling in the neck as well. Symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing if the ranula is large enough to obstruct the airway.
-== Symptoms ==
+==Diagnosis==
-Symptoms of a ranula include:
+Diagnosis of a ranula is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance and location of the swelling. Imaging studies such as [[ultrasound]], [[MRI]], or [[CT scan]] can be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the lesion, especially in cases of plunging ranulas.
-* Swelling under the tongue, which can vary in size
-* Discomfort or difficulty in speaking, eating, or swallowing, especially in larger cysts
-== Diagnosis ==
+==Treatment==
+The treatment of ranulas depends on the size and type of the lesion. Options include:
-[[File:Ranula, low mag.jpg|thumb|Ultrasound imaging, a diagnostic tool for ranula.]]
+* '''[[Marsupialization]]''': Creating a surgical window in the ranula to allow continuous drainage.
-Diagnosis usually involves a clinical examination. Imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess the size and extent of the cyst.
+* '''[[Excision]]''': Complete removal of the ranula and the affected gland.
+* '''[[Sclerotherapy]]''': Injection of a sclerosing agent to shrink the ranula.
-== Treatment ==
+Recurrence is common if the underlying gland is not addressed, particularly in simple marsupialization.
-Treatment options for ranula include:
-* Aspiration of the cyst
-* Marsupialization (creating a small opening in the cyst to allow continuous drainage)
-* Surgical removal, especially for larger or recurrent cysts
-== External Links ==
+==Prognosis==
-* [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557578/ National Center for Biotechnology Information - Ranula]
+With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for ranulas is generally good. However, recurrence can occur, especially if the sublingual gland is not removed.
-* [https://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=EN&Expert=300298 Orphanet - Ranula]
-[[Category:Oral Pathology]]
+==Also see==
-[[Category:Diseases of the Mouth]]
+* [[Mucocele]]
-{{stub}}
+* [[Sialolithiasis]]
+* [[Salivary gland disorders]]
+{{Oral and maxillofacial surgery}}
+{{Salivary gland diseases}}
+[[Category:Oral pathology]]
+[[Category:Salivary gland pathology]]
+[[Category:Oral and maxillofacial surgery]]