Summary about Disease
A ranula is a type of mucocele found in the floor of the mouth. It's a cyst-like lesion that develops when a salivary gland (typically the sublingual gland) becomes blocked, causing saliva to leak into the surrounding tissues. This leaked saliva collects, forming a bluish, translucent swelling that can resemble a frog's belly (hence the name "ranula," derived from the Latin word for frog).
Symptoms
A soft, bluish, translucent, dome-shaped swelling in the floor of the mouth, usually to one side of the midline.
Difficulty with speech, swallowing, or chewing, depending on the size and location of the ranula.
Pain or discomfort, although many ranulas are painless.
In larger ranulas, the tongue may be displaced.
Sometimes, a ranula may rupture and then reappear.
Causes
Salivary gland blockage: This is the primary cause. Blockage can be due to trauma, injury to the salivary duct, or the presence of salivary stones (sialoliths).
Damage to the salivary duct: This can result from biting the cheek or lower lip.
Unknown causes (idiopathic): In some cases, the exact cause of a ranula is not identified.
Oral piercing (rare): Very rarely, piercing can interfere with duct function.
Medicine Used
No specific medication cures a ranula. Treatment usually involves surgical removal or marsupialization.
Antibiotics: May be prescribed if the ranula becomes infected.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage any discomfort.
Is Communicable
No. A ranula is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Good oral hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection and promote healing.
Avoid trauma: Try to avoid habits that could cause trauma to the floor of the mouth, such as cheek biting.
See a doctor: If you notice a swelling in the floor of your mouth, seek medical attention promptly.
Follow post-operative instructions: If surgical intervention is required, diligently follow the doctor's post-operative instructions.
How long does an outbreak last?
A ranula can persist indefinitely if left untreated. It will not resolve on its own. Once a ranula forms, it requires medical or surgical intervention to be eliminated. The duration of symptoms depends on the size and any complications, but the lesion itself remains until treated.
How is it diagnosed?
Clinical examination: A doctor or dentist can often diagnose a ranula based on its characteristic appearance and location during a physical exam.
Palpation: Feeling the area can reveal a soft, fluid-filled mass.
Aspiration: A needle may be used to aspirate (draw out) fluid from the swelling. This fluid will be clear and mucinous.
Imaging studies (rare): In some cases, imaging such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be used to rule out other conditions or to assess the extent of a large ranula, especially a plunging ranula.
Timeline of Symptoms
Initial stage: A small, painless swelling appears in the floor of the mouth.
Progression: The swelling gradually increases in size over days or weeks.
Mature stage: The swelling may interfere with speech, swallowing, or chewing. It may rupture spontaneously, but it will likely recur.
Chronic stage: If left untreated, the ranula may persist indefinitely, potentially increasing in size and causing more significant symptoms. It might also be more vulnerable to infection.
Important Considerations
Differential Diagnosis: It's important to differentiate a ranula from other lesions in the floor of the mouth, such as dermoid cysts, lipomas, and salivary gland tumors.
Plunging Ranula: A "plunging ranula" is a ranula that extends through the mylohyoid muscle into the neck. These are more complex to treat.
Recurrence: Ranulas can recur after treatment, so follow-up is important. Complete removal of the affected salivary gland often prevents recurrence.
Seek professional advice: Self-treating a suspected ranula is not recommended. A healthcare professional should evaluate any swelling in the floor of the mouth.