Oral Mucoceles: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Roshani Jagannath Kotian , Dentists

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Oral mucoceles are non-cancerous (benign) cyst-like lumps that form in the mouth, mostly on the inner surface of the lips, floor of the mouth, or the cheeks. They occur when a duct of a salivary gland gets blocked or ruptured, causing the saliva to collect in the nearby tissues. This leads to a fluid-filled swelling that may appear clear, bluish, or flesh-colored.

What are the Types of Oral Mucoceles?

There are mainly two types of oral mucoceles, based on their location and the type of tissue involved:

• Mucous Retention Cysts: This is the most common type of oral mucocele. It happens when a salivary duct gets blocked, causing saliva to collect in the surrounding tissues. These are usually soft, painless, and have a clear or bluish appearance.
• Mucous Extravasation Cysts: These occur when a salivary duct ruptures, causing the saliva to leak into the surrounding tissues. This leads to a cyst-like swelling, which is often bluish and may change size. These mucoceles are usually found on the lower lip but can also appear elsewhere in the mouth.

It is important to note that oral mucocele is not related to oral mucocele cancer. Oral mucoceles are benign and non-cancerous growths, unlike cancerous conditions that require different forms of treatment.

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What are the Causes of Oral Mucoceles?

Oral mucoceles are mainly caused by the blockage or rupture of the salivary glands' ducts, leading to the accumulation of saliva in the surrounding tissues and forming a cyst-like swelling. The main oral mucocele causes include:

• Trauma or Injury: Biting the inner lip or cheek, or any injury to the mouth, can damage the salivary duct, leading to the formation of a mucocele.
• Salivary Duct Blockage: A blockage caused by thickened saliva or debris in the duct can prevent normal saliva flow, leading to the formation of a mucocele.
• Inflammation or Infection: Infections or inflammation in the mouth, especially in the salivary glands, can result in duct rupture or blockage, causing mucoceles.
• Habitual Lip Biting or Cheek Biting: Continuous habits like lip or cheek biting can increase the risk of developing a mucocele over time.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Lack of proper oral hygiene can lead to the buildup of bacteria and debris around the salivary glands, increasing the risk of blockage and oral mucocele formation.

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What are the Symptoms of Oral Mucoceles?

Oral mucoceles have distinct symptoms that can help you identify them:

• Painless swelling: Typically, mucoceles are painless, but they can cause discomfort if they become large.
• Smooth, round bump: The cyst is often smooth and dome-shaped.
• Fluid-filled: Mucoceles contain a clear or bluish fluid.
• Fluctuating size: They may shrink and swell over time.

If you notice a persistent lump in your mouth, it's a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

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How is Oral Mucoceles Diagnosed?

If you suspect you have a mucocele, a healthcare professional can diagnose it through:

• Clinical examination: A visual inspection of the cyst.
• Imaging tests: Ultrasounds or MRI scans may be used for larger or deeper mucoceles.
• Biopsy: In rare cases, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions, including oral cancer.

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What are the Treatment Options for Oral Mucoceles?

When the salivary gland duct is obstructed or burst, saliva builds up and forms fluid-filled cysts called oral mucoceles. The size, location, and symptoms of oral mucoceles all affect how they are treated. The following are typical Indian therapeutic options:

• Observation: If the oral mucocele is small and not causing any discomfort, your doctor may recommend oral mucocele supportive therapy, where the cyst is monitored over time, as it may resolve naturally.
• Marsupialization: For certain types of mucoceles, a less invasive option called marsupialization may be used. The cyst is opened, and the edges are sutured to allow saliva to drain, providing relief.
• Cryotherapy: In some cases, cryotherapy, or freezing the mucocele with liquid nitrogen, may be used as a treatment to reduce the size of the cyst or completely remove it.
• Steroid Injections: For rare or complicated cases, corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation and shrink the mucocele.

Oral Mucocele Surgery

Surgery is often recommended for large, deep mucoceles or ranulas. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and involves:

• Making a small incision to remove the cyst.
• Removing the affected salivary gland if necessary.
• Stitches may be used to close the incision.

Post-surgery, it's important to follow your dentist or surgeon's care instructions to ensure proper healing and to prevent recurrence.

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When to See a Doctor?

Most oral mucoceles are harmless and may go away on their own. However, you should consult a doctor or dentist if:

• The swelling lasts more than 2 weeks.
• It interferes with speaking, eating, or swallowing.
• It grows rapidly, becomes painful, or keeps coming back.
• The lesion bleeds, becomes infected, or shows unusual changes.

High-risk individuals needing prompt care

• Children, or those with braces or dentures.
• People with weakened immune systems.

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How to Prevent Oral Mucoceles?

While it's not always possible to prevent mucoceles, you can reduce your risk by:

• Avoiding lip and cheek biting: Be mindful when chewing food.
• Protecting your mouth from injury: Be cautious with dental appliances and avoid trauma to the mouth.
• Regular dental check-ups: Regular visits to the dentist can help identify and address any issues early on.

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Home Remedies for Oral Mucoceles

Oral mucoceles are fluid-filled cysts that appear in the mouth, often due to trauma to the salivary glands. While it's always better to consult with Oral mucocele specialists, there are some oral mucocele home treatment options you can try for relief:

• Warm Saltwater Rinse: Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce the swelling and prevent any infections. You can rinse your mouth several times a day to keep the area clean.
• Cold Compress: To lessen discomfort and swelling, apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the afflicted area.
• Turmeric Paste: The anti-inflammatory qualities of turmeric are well-known. The swelling may be lessened by applying a paste made of water and turmeric on the cyst.
• Honey: Honey naturally possesses antibacterial qualities. Honey can be applied to the mucocele to help calm the region and lower the chance of infection.
• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel contains anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. Relief may be obtained by applying fresh aloe vera gel to the afflicted region.
• Avoiding Further Irritation: It is important to avoid biting the mucocele or eating hard foods that might cause further irritation or injury.

These oral mucocele home treatment methods might offer some relief, but if the mucocele does not heal or becomes more painful, it's best to consult oral mucocele specialists for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Our Experience Treating Oral Mucoceles

At Medicover, we understand how discomfort from oral mucoceles can affect your daily life. Our team of experienced ENT specialists and oral surgeons provides compassionate, precise care, from an accurate diagnosis to minimally invasive treatment. With a focus on patient comfort and long-term relief, we're committed to restoring your oral health and helping you smile with confidence.

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