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ranula
Thursday 17 July 2003
Definition: Ranula is a mucocele occuring specifically in the floor of the mouth.
Mucous retention cysts do have a true epithelial lining.
The simple ranula is a form of mucous retention cyst involving the ducts of the sublingual salivary gland and typically presents as an asymptomatic soft, fluid-filled mass in the lateral floor of mouth.
Management of these lesions consists of marsupialization or complete excision.
The plunging ranula represents a form of mucocele which has extended outside the mucous membranes of the floor of mouth inferiorly into the submental or submandibular triangle via a defect in the mylohyoid muscle.
They present as neck masses in these areas and require complete excision in continuity with their salivary gland of origin.
