Ranula
Ranula
Ranula
e-ISSN: 2279-0853, p-ISSN: 2279-0861.Volume 15, Issue 10 Ver. XII (October. 2016), PP 01-03
www.iosrjournals.org
Abstract: Ranula is a retention cyst of the sublingual gland, which enlarges progressively and extends into the
surrounding soft tissues. We report a case of oral ranula involving the floor of mouth treated successfully by
surgical excision following detailed clinical examination, radiological interpretation and histopathological
diagnosis. The patient was followed up on a regular basis and was disease free.
Keywords: Ranula, Sublingual gland ,excision.
I. Introduction
Ranula is a retention cyst of the sublingual gland, enlarge progressively and extends into the
surrounding soft tissues. Two variants have been described: A superficial (Oral) ranula and Cervical (Plunging)
ranula.
Simple ranulas remain confined to the sublingual space, whereas diving ones extend beyond it .Ranulas
superior to the mylohyoid muscle appear as a translucent bluish swelling under the tongue, resembling a frog’s
underside. Primary etiology of these lesions is due to partial obstruction of a sublingual duct.
Radiographic examination was not significant with absence of any calcifications. For detailed study
T1, T2 weighted Magnetic resonance imaging was advised, which revealed right side lesion involving
sublingual space inferolaterally restricted by mylohyoid muscle and medially by genioglossus muscle. On post
contrast scan smooth peripheral enhancement is seen. Mass Measures 34(AP) x 24(CC) x 9.8(TR)mm in size.
Aspiration was performed under topical anesthesia and collection of thick mucus like aspirated, which was
subjected to cytological examination. Initial diagnosis of ranula was made on the basis of clinical appearance,
cytological examination and MRI report. Based on the clinical, histological findings, treatment was planned
excision of the lesion.
The lesion was approached intraorally through a mucosal incision placed over the lesion, Careful
dissection in the submucosal plane revealed a well encapsulated soft swelling which was fragile but could be
separated from the surrounding connective tissue and muscle plane then surgical excision was done. Complete
haemostasis was achieved and primary closure performed. The excised specimen was sent for histopathological
examination which confirmed the diagnosis of ranula.
Histological examination shows mucous laden macrophages along with damaged and dilated minor
salivary gland ducts in the connective tissue. Few normal mucous acini and chronic inflammatory cells are also
seen. There were no specific complaints postoperatively. The patient was disease free without any recurrence
during the follow-up period(2 years).
III. Discussion
A ranula is a mucus filled cavity, a mucocele, in the floor of the mouth in relation to the sublingual
gland”. The name “ranula” is derived from the Latin word “rana” meaning “frog”. These represent for 6% of all
oral sialocysts. Although there is no specific sex predilection for ranula in the floor of the mouth which develops
from extravasation of mucus after trauma to the sublingual gland or obstruction of the duct.
MRI study is most sensitive investigation to evaluate the sublingual gland and other structure. On
MRI, the ranula’s characteristic appearance is usually dominated by its high water content
Thus, it has a low T1-weighted, an intermediate proton density, and high T2-weighted signal intensity.
This appearance, especially in a plunging ranula, may be similar to that of a lymphangioma, a lateral
thyroglossal duct cyst, and possibly an inflamed lymph node.
However, if the protein concentration of the ranula’s contents is high, the signal intensities can vary,
often being high on all imaging sequences. In such cases, the MRI differential diagnosis includes entities such as
dermoids, epidermoids, and lipomas. Surgical management of ranula include incision and drainage, Enucleation
of ranula, marsupialization and marsupialization with packing or complete excision of sublingual gland,
cryosurgery, fenestration and continuous pressure.
The recurrence rate with the various treatments was 100% in cases of incision and drainage, 61% in
cases of simple marsupialization, and 0% in the case of Enucleation of the ranula with or without sublingual
gland excision Surgical excision is best treatment for ranula.CO2 laser as a treatment modality has been used in
few cases to vaporize ranulas.
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