A mucocele is a common, benign, cyst-like lesion that can appear in the mouth. These soft, fluid-filled swellings typically form on the lips, but can also be found in other areas within the oral cavity.
What is a Mucocele?
A mucocele develops when a minor salivary gland duct becomes blocked or damaged, leading to saliva leaking into the surrounding connective tissue. This accumulation forms a fluid-filled sac, presenting as a swelling.
The most frequent location for a mucocele is the lower lip, though they can also appear on the floor of the mouth, the inner cheek, or the palate. Minor trauma, such as habitually biting the lip, injury from dental work, or even vigorous sucking, can damage these delicate ducts and contribute to mucocele formation.
There are primarily two types of mucoceles: extravasation and retention. Extravasation mucoceles, more common, result from the rupture of a salivary gland duct and subsequent leakage of mucin into the adjacent soft tissues. Retention mucoceles occur when there is an obstruction of the salivary gland duct, preventing saliva from flowing normally.
Do Mucoceles Go Away on Their Own?
Some mucoceles, particularly smaller ones or those that arise from minor, isolated trauma, can resolve spontaneously without any medical intervention. This natural resolution occurs when the accumulated fluid drains on its own or is gradually reabsorbed by surrounding tissues. For instance, a small mucocele from an accidental lip bite might disappear within a few days or weeks as the body clears the trapped saliva.
However, many mucoceles, especially larger formations or those that are deeper within the tissue, do not spontaneously disappear. These persistent mucoceles often require professional attention because the underlying issue, such as a damaged duct, remains unresolved.
The likelihood of spontaneous resolution is influenced by factors such as the mucocele’s size, its specific location, and its type. Retention mucoceles, for example, are less likely to resolve naturally compared to the more common extravasation type, as they involve a persistent blockage rather than just a temporary leakage.
Even if a mucocele does resolve on its own, there is a possibility of recurrence if the initial cause, such as repetitive lip biting, is not identified and addressed. A mucocele that repeatedly reappears in the same location suggests an ongoing issue with the salivary gland or duct that may require medical evaluation. While observation may be an initial approach for small, non-bothersome lesions, persistent or recurring mucoceles warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional.
Treatment Options for Mucoceles
When a mucocele persists, is symptomatic, or becomes bothersome, several medical interventions are available to address it. Surgical excision is a primary treatment option. This procedure involves carefully removing the mucocele along with the associated minor salivary gland to prevent future recurrence.
Beyond traditional surgical removal, other methods may be considered depending on the mucocele’s characteristics and location:
Marsupialization: The mucocele is opened, and its edges are stitched to the surrounding tissue, creating a pouch that allows saliva to drain freely into the mouth.
Cryotherapy: Freezing the lesion.
Laser ablation: Utilizing a focused laser beam to remove the mucocele.
Before any treatment is pursued, a proper diagnosis by a dental or medical professional is important. Sometimes, a healthcare provider might suggest an initial period of observation to see if the mucocele resolves before recommending a more invasive treatment.