An oral mucous cyst is a painless, thin sac on the inner surface of the mouth. It contains clear fluid.
Mucocele; Mucous retention cyst; Ranula
Mucous cysts most often appear near salivary gland openings (ducts). Common sites and causes of cysts include:
Symptoms of mucoceles include:
Symptoms of ranula include:
A mucous cyst often can be left alone. It usually will rupture on its own. If the cyst returns, it may need to be removed.
To remove a mucocele, the provider may perform any of the following:
A ranula is usually removed using laser or surgery. The best outcome is removing both the cyst and the gland that caused the cyst.
To prevent infection and damage to the tissue, DO NOT try to open the sac yourself. Treatment should only be done by your provider. Oral surgeons and some dentists can remove the sac.
Complications may include:
Contact your provider if you:
These may be a sign of more serious problem, such as mouth cancer.
Avoiding intentionally sucking the cheeks or biting the lips may help prevent some mucoceles.
Patterson JW. Cysts, sinuses, and pits. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 17.
Scheinfeld N. Mucoceles. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, Coulson IH, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 157.
Woo BM. Sublingual gland excision and ductal surgery. In: Kademani D, Tiwana PS, eds. Atlas of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 86.
There are no recent clinical trials available for this condition. Please check back because new trials are being conducted frequently.