Mucocele

A mucocele is a small, soft, bluish swelling caused by a ruptured duct of a minor salivary gland, most often after biting the lower lip. It is benign, but recurs on its own if left untreated.

Treatment consists of removing the lesion together with the responsible salivary gland, which prevents recurrence. The specimen is sent for histological confirmation.

The protocol, step by step.

1. Step 1

   Examination

   Clinical diagnosis and identification of the gland involved.

2. Step 2

   Excision

   Removal of the lesion and the causative salivary gland.

3. Step 3

   Analysis

   Systematic histological examination of the specimen.

4. Step 4

   Follow-up

   Stitch removal and check for recurrence.

Cause

A mucocele usually follows a minor local injury: accidentally biting the lip, sucking or a habit of chewing the lip. This blocks or tears the duct of a minor salivary gland, and mucus then collects in the surrounding tissue.

Course and treatment

Some small, superficial mucoceles burst and disappear on their own, but they tend to come back as long as the gland involved is not treated.

• Surgical excision: removing the cyst and the associated minor salivary glands remains the reference treatment to prevent recurrence.

• Other options: cryotherapy or laser treatment may be considered depending on the clinical assessment.