A ranula is a mucus-filled cyst that can appear in the mouth or neck due to blockage of a salivary gland. Treatment options include marsupialization or excision, and it’s important to see a doctor to rule out more serious conditions.
A ranula is a mucus-filled cyst that appears as a result of blockage of a salivary gland, which causes trauma and ultimately leads to the development of a cyst in the surrounding connective tissue. They sometimes appear in the mouth, where they are known as oral ranulae, and can also be found in the neck, in the case of cervical ranulae. Classically, these cysts appear under the tongue as sublingual ranulae. There are several treatment options available to address these types of cysts. These growths can be found in animals as well as humans.
These cysts can grow and shrink in size. They can be pinkish or blue in color, depending on how deeply they are seated, and can make eating or talking difficult if they are in the mouth. People may also mistake one for a more serious cancerous growth, especially if they’ve never developed one before. The growth can be uncomfortable, especially if it’s under the tongue, and can be easily seen and felt.
Sometimes, the cyst clears up on its own or stays so small that it’s not a problem. In other cases, an oral surgeon may perform a procedure known as marsupialization, in which the cyst is opened to create a pocket. The pocket will be flat and will never be able to fill again. Sometimes, however, the pocket opening heals, allowing the cyst to grow again. In this case, the growth must be removed along with the attached blocked gland to prevent the ranula from recurring.
Those that grow in the mouth are treated by an oral surgeon, who may recommend marsupialization or excision after examining the growth and discussing the patient’s history. A cervical ranula requires the attention of an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon. Both types of surgeon may be practiced in most communities, and a primary care provider or dentist may be able to recommend a particular doctor.
Sometimes, a more serious problem masquerades as a ranula, so it’s important for people to see a doctor about a suspected cyst of any type, even if it simply confirms that the growth doesn’t need further attention. A patient with a minor cyst that does not require treatment may wish to report the presence of the growth to new healthcare professionals so they know the patient is aware of the situation.
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