Mucocele of the Mouth

What is Mucocele of the Mouth

• A mucocele is a growth or bump (cyst) that is filled with mucus. A mucocele can form on various parts of the mouth, including the gums, the tongue, and the inside of the cheeks.
• A common spot is inside the lower lip. Mucoceles are not dangerous, and they are usually not painful. A mucocele can be uncomfortable if it is very large or if it is located under the tongue.
• Small mucoceles often clear up on their own.
• Treatment may not be needed. Mucoceles that are bigger or that keep coming back might need to be removed.

What are the causes?

The exact cause of mucoceles is not always clear, but they are often associated with minor trauma to the oral mucosa, such as lip biting or sucking, accidental injury, or constant irritation from dental appliances.

When the duct of a salivary gland is damaged or blocked, saliva cannot properly drain, leading to the formation of the cyst.

Mucoceles form when the salivary ducts in the mouth are damaged and leak saliva. These ducts carry saliva from the salivary glands to the surface of the mouth. A mucocele can develop because of:

• An injury to your mouth.
• Sucking or biting on your lips or tongue.
• A blocked salivary duct. This is sometimes caused by swelling.
• Piercing of the tongue or lip for jewelry.

In some cases, the cause may not be known.

What are the signs or symptoms of Mucocele of the Mouth?

Symptoms of Mucocele of the Mouth include a smooth, painless bump inside your mouth. The bump may:

• Show up all of a sudden.
• Have thin walls and a bluish color.
• Change in size. Most are smaller than ½ inch.

Mucoceles under the tongue are called ranulas. These may be bigger and may push your tongue up and back. In some cases, this can make it hard to talk, swallow, or breathe.

How is this diagnosed?

Mucocele of the Mouth is usually diagnosed with a physical exam. Your health care provider will often be able to tell if you have a mucocele by looking at it and feeling it. You may also have tests, such as:

• An ultrasound to check for problems with your salivary gland.
• An X-ray to see if stones are blocking the exit of saliva.

How is this treated?

Treatment of Mucocele of the Mouth may depend on the size of the mucocele:

• For a small mucocele, treatment is usually not needed. It will drain on its own and go away.
• For larger mucoceles and ranulas, surgery may be needed. This may be done if the mucocele does not go away or if it keeps coming back. The entire mucocele may be taken out. In some cases, the salivary gland may also be removed.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not try to drain a mucocele on your own. Do not poke a hole in it.
• Do not use any tobacco products, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Do not suck or bite on your lips or tongue.
• If your mucocele was removed, avoid hard or spicy foods and foods that have high acidity while your mouth is healing.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have a lump or cyst inside your mouth that does not go away.
• You have a fever.

Get help right away if:

• You have a lump or cyst in your mouth that:
  • Becomes painful.
  • Gets large very fast.
• You have a lump or cyst in your mouth that makes it hard to:
  • Swallow.
  • Talk.
  • Breathe.

Summary

A mucocele is a benign, fluid-filled cyst that commonly develops on the inner surface of the lips, the floor of the mouth, or the salivary glands. It is also known as a mucous cyst, mucous retention cyst, or ranula, depending on its location. Mucoceles are typically painless but can be bothersome due to their appearance or if they interfere with speaking or eating.

Here are some key points about mucoceles:

1. Causes: Mucoceles often occur when a salivary gland duct becomes blocked or damaged. This can result from trauma, such as accidentally biting the inside of the lip, repetitive irritation, or damage during dental procedures.
2. Symptoms: The most common symptom of a mucocele is a painless, fluid-filled swelling that may be bluish in color. It can vary in size and may increase or decrease in size over time. Mucoceles can rupture, leading to the release of the clear or bluish fluid inside.
3. Diagnosis: Diagnosis is usually based on a physical examination. In some cases, a healthcare professional may order imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, to get a better view of the affected area.
4. Treatment: Small mucoceles that are not causing symptoms may resolve on their own. However, larger or persistent mucoceles may require treatment. Treatment options include surgical removal of the cyst or addressing the underlying cause, such as removing sources of irritation.
5. Surgical Removal: A minor surgical procedure may be performed to remove the mucocele. This can be done in a doctor’s office or outpatient surgical setting. Removal helps prevent recurrence.
6. Laser Treatment: Some healthcare professionals may use laser therapy to treat mucoceles. Laser treatment can help remove the cyst and seal the affected salivary gland duct.
7. Cautions: While mucoceles are generally harmless, any persistent or unusual oral swelling should be evaluated by a healthcare professional or dentist. Additionally, it’s important to avoid attempting to pop or drain the mucocele at home, as this can lead to infection and complications.

If you suspect you have a mucocele or are experiencing any oral symptoms, it’s advisable to seek advice from a healthcare professional or dentist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.