What is the difference between a mucocele and mucous retention cyst?

Mucocele forms because of salivary gland mucous extravasation or retention and is usually related to trauma in the area of the lower lips. Salivary duct cyst, however, is a type of mucous retention cyst which is almost never located on the lower lip.

Is mucous retention cyst a true cyst?

A simple ranula is a mucous retention cyst of the sublingual gland, resulting from obstruction of the duct. It is a true cyst with an epithelial lining. A ranula presents as a painless, cystic, bluish swelling in the floor of the mouth.

How long do mucus retention cysts last?

Many mucoceles will go away on their own in 3–6 weeks. Mucus-retention cysts often last longer. Avoid the habit of chewing or sucking on the lips or cheek when these lesions are present.

How do you get rid of mucus retention cysts?

These cysts are treated with conservative surgical excision. When they involve the major glands, partial or total removal of the affected gland may be necessary.

Should a mucous retention cyst be removed?

If a lesion is discovered and it’s small, treatment may not be necessary. In fact, some maxillary sinus retention cysts will regress on their own. Your doctor may recommend monitoring it with periodic imaging. However, if your cyst is large or you are experiencing symptoms, treatment may be recommended.

Are Mucoceles cancerous?

Annoying as they can be, the good news is that mucoceles are harmless, with no risk of transformation into skin cancer. Rarely, the cyst can rupture into the tissue of the lip, causing inflammation and granuloma formation, which ultimately results in scarring; however these cases represent a minority.

Are mucous retention cysts common?

Conclusion. Mucous retention cyst are a common phenomenon, however their occurrence as midcheek mass is not quite common. These lesions often arise from the salivary glands, but can also originate from the muscles, buccal fat pad, or other structures.

Can a mucous retention cyst be cancerous?

A maxillary sinus retention cyst is a lesion that develops on the inside of the wall of the maxillary sinus. They are often dome-shaped, soft masses that usually develop on the bottom of the maxillary sinus. Fortunately, a retention cyst of the maxillary sinus is a benign lesion, or non-cancerous.

Does stress cause Mucoceles?

The mechanical trauma may result from lip biting, commonly under stress, or because of constant contact with a sharp tooth, or continuous thrusting of the tongue against the teeth. The trauma is typically the initiatory factor except in the glands of the posterior part of the hard palate and the soft palate.

Can mucocele be cancerous?

In most cases, the lumps and bumps we get in our mouths are not cancer. They can be something as benign as a mucocele, but unless we take a biopsy, there’s no way to be sure.