Mucocele: A Case Report with Literature Review

Mucoceles (Muco-mucus and coele-cavity) are cavities filled with mucus. They are one of the most common benign soft tissue masses that occur in the oral cavity. Two types of distinct entities described in relation to the mucoceles include the true mucous retention cysts which are lined with epithelium and the mucous extravasation cysts which occur because of pooling of the mucus into the adjacent tissues in case of trauma to the conducting passages or, ducts. The two main etiological factors for mucoceles are obstruction of salivary gland ducts leading to the so-recognized true mucous retention cysts and traumatic injuries to the mucous carrying ducts leading to the creation of the so-called mucous extravasation cysts. Mucoceles are commonly seen in relation to the lower lip often because of the lip-biting habit leading to the formation of mucous extravasation cysts. The lesions can be solitary or, multiple, often rupturing and leaving, slightly painful erosive areas that usually heal within a span of few days. The lesions may rupture spontaneously with the liberation of a viscous fluid, however, after a few days to weeks, additional fluid accumulates and the lesion is seen to recur. This cycle of rupture, collapse and refilling may continue for months. The present case report presents one such case of a mucocele that was reported in the Department for diagnosis and further, needful.