The mucocele, also known as mucous cyst, is a type of bubble, which forms on the lip, tongue, cheeks or roof of the mouth, usually due to a bump in the region, repetitive bites or when a salivary gland suffers an obstruction.
This benign lesion can range in size from a few millimeters to 2 or 3 centimeters in diameter, and does not usually cause pain, except when it is accompanied by some type of injury.
The mucocele is not contagious and usually regresses naturally without the need for treatments. However, in some cases, minor surgery by the dentist may be necessary to remove the affected cyst and salivary gland.
How to identify
The mucocele forms a kind of bubble, which contains saliva in its interior, being generally painless, and transparent or purplish in color. Sometimes it can be confused with cold sore, but canker sores do not usually cause blisters, but ulcers in the mouth.
After a while, the mucocele may regress, or it may rupture, after a bite or bump in the region, which may cause a small wound on the site, which heals naturally.
In the presence of symptoms that indicate mucocele and persist for more than 2 weeks, it is important to undergo the evaluation of the dentist, since there is a type of cancer, called mucoepidermoid carcinoma, that can cause similar symptoms, but instead of improving, usually worsens over time. Learn to identify other symptoms that indicate mouth cancer.
How to treat
The mucocele has healing, which usually occurs naturally, with regression of the cyst in a few days without the need for treatment. However, in cases where the lesion grows too large or when there is no natural regression, the dentist may report minor surgery in the office to remove the affected salivary gland and reduce swelling.
This surgery is a simple procedure that does not require hospitalization and therefore the patient can return home a few hours after the treatment and can go to work 1 to 2 days after surgery.
In addition, in some cases, the mucocele may recur, and further surgery may be necessary.
Causes of mucocele
The causes of mucocele are related to the blockage or lesion of a salivary gland or duct, and the most common situations include:
- Biting or sucking the lips or the inside of the cheeks;
- Bumps on the face, especially on the cheeks;
- History of other diseases that affect the mucous membranes, such as Sjö gren Syndrome or Sarcoidosis, for example.
In addition, mucocele may also appear in newborns soon after birth due to strokes during birth, but rarely require treatment.
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