Ranula

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
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Ranula
Synonyms	Oral mucocele, sublingual cyst
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Swelling in the floor of the mouth, pain, difficulty swallowing
Complications	Infection, airway obstruction
Onset	Any age, commonly in children and young adults
Duration	Can be chronic if untreated
Types	N/A
Causes	Trauma to the salivary glands, obstruction of the sublingual gland
Risks	Salivary gland injury, sialolithiasis
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, ultrasound, MRI
Differential diagnosis	Dermoid cyst, epidermoid cyst, lymphangioma
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Marsupialization, excision, sclerotherapy
Medication	Antibiotics if infected
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Ranula

Ranula

Ranula

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

• Mucocele
• Sialolithiasis
• Salivary gland disorders