A mucocele is a common, harmless cyst that typically forms in the mouth. It appears as a fluid-filled swelling, often translucent or bluish in color, and feels soft to the touch. These cysts most frequently develop on the inner surface of the lower lip, though they can appear anywhere in the mouth where minor salivary glands are present, such as the floor of the mouth or under the tongue.
Understanding Mucocele Formation
Mucoceles develop when the duct of a minor salivary gland becomes blocked or damaged. This disruption prevents saliva from flowing properly, causing it to leak into the surrounding connective tissue. As saliva accumulates, it forms the mucocele.
Common actions that can lead to mucocele formation include habitually biting the lip or cheek, accidental trauma to the mouth, or even vigorous sucking on the lip. These physical irritations can injure the delicate salivary gland ducts, initiating mucus retention. Individuals might notice a soft, movable bump that can sometimes change in size.
Self-Care and Home Remedies
It is not advisable to attempt to “pop” or remove a mucocele at home. Puncturing or squeezing the lesion can introduce bacteria, leading to infection and scarring. Self-removal often results in incomplete drainage, which increases the likelihood of recurrence.
While some small mucoceles might rupture and resolve on their own, relying on home remedies or waiting for spontaneous resolution is not a reliable treatment. Unproven home remedies lack scientific backing and can irritate the affected area, delaying proper healing. For persistent or bothersome mucoceles, seeking professional medical evaluation is important for appropriate management.
Professional Treatment Approaches
When a mucocele requires intervention, dentists or oral surgeons employ several professional methods.
Surgical Excision
Surgical excision is a common and definitive treatment, involving the complete removal of the mucocele and sometimes the associated minor salivary gland to prevent recurrence. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and involves a small incision to remove the cyst.
Marsupialization
Another technique, marsupialization, is used for larger or deeper mucoceles, particularly those on the floor of the mouth. In this procedure, the surgeon creates an opening in the mucocele and sutures the edges of the cyst to the surrounding oral mucosa, allowing trapped mucus to drain and preventing re-accumulation. This method transforms the cyst into an open pouch.
Cryotherapy and Laser Ablation
Cryotherapy, which involves freezing the mucocele, and laser ablation are also options. Cryotherapy uses extreme cold to destroy the tissue, while laser ablation uses a focused beam of light to vaporize the lesion. Both minimally invasive techniques can reduce bleeding and discomfort compared to traditional surgery. The choice of treatment depends on the mucocele’s size, location, and type.
What to Expect After Treatment and Recurrence
After professional mucocele removal, patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the treated area for a few days. Soft food diets may be recommended, and oral hygiene instructions, such as gentle rinsing, will be provided to help healing. Most individuals experience a straightforward recovery, with the treated site healing within one to two weeks.
Despite successful removal, recurrence is possible if the entire affected salivary gland or duct is not excised, or if new trauma occurs to an adjacent gland. This happens because the underlying cause of mucus leakage persists or re-emerges. Follow-up appointments are important to monitor healing and concerns. Patients should contact their healthcare provider if they experience persistent pain, significant swelling, or signs of infection post-treatment.