Mucocele

Mucocele

A mucocele, also known as a mucous cyst, is a common, benign, painless swelling in the mouth that occurs when a salivary gland is blocked or damaged. It is most commonly found on the lower lip, but can also occur on the roof of the mouth, tongue, inside the cheeks, and on the floor of the mouth.

Causes

Mucoceles are caused by a rupture or blockage of a salivary gland duct, which causes the release of saliva into the surrounding tissues. This can occur as a result of trauma, such as biting or sucking on the lip, or from a blockage of the duct by a stone or tumor.

Symptoms

The main symptom of a mucocele is a painless, soft, round, dome-shaped swelling in the mouth. The size of the swelling can vary from a few millimeters to more than a centimeter in diameter. The color can range from normal skin color to blue or pink. The swelling may burst and release a clear or bluish fluid, and then heal and reappear.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a mucocele is usually based on the appearance of the swelling and the patient's history. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Treatment of a mucocele usually involves surgical removal of the cyst and the affected salivary gland. This can be done under local anesthesia in a dentist's or oral surgeon's office. In some cases, a laser or cryotherapy may be used to remove the cyst. If the mucocele is small and not causing any symptoms, it may be left untreated and monitored for changes.

See also

• Salivary gland
• Cyst
• Oral pathology

References

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