Mucous cyst - Treatment

Alternative Names

Mucocele; Mucous retention cyst; Ranula; Epulis

Treatment:

A mucous cyst often can be left alone; it usually will rupture spontaneously. Opening the top of the sac with a sterile needle will help it go away. If the cyst returns, it may need to be removed.

To prevent infection and damage to the tissue, opening the sac should NOT be performed at home by the parents. This should be performed by your health care provider. Oral surgeons and some dentists can easily remove the sacs if they continue to be uncomfortable.

Complications:

There are usually no complications.

Calling your health care provider:

If it becomes uncomfortable, have the cyst examined by your health care provider during a routine examination.

Mouth sores

Reviewed last on: 8/2/2009
Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Kerr AR, Phelan JA. Benign lesions of the oral cavity. In: Greenberg MS, Glick M, Ship JA, eds. Berket's Oral Medicine. 11th ed. Hamilton, Canada: BC Decker Inc.; 2008: chap 6.

Maheu-Robert LF, Andrian E, Grenier D. Overview of complications secondary to tongue and lip piercings. J Can Dent Assoc. 2007; 73(4):327-331.

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