Mucous Cyst: Types, Causes, And Treatment

Write short note on mucous cysts.

Answer. Mucous cysts are of two types, i.e. mucous extravasation cyst and mucus retention cyst.

Mucous extravasation Cyst

Mucous extravasation Cyst is the swelling caused by pooling of saliva at injured minor salivary gland.

Mucous cysts Etiology

Trauma to minor salivary gland duct causes extravasation of mucus in connective tissue, due to this there is an accumulation of mucous in connective tissue with continuous pooling of saliva.

Mucous cysts Clinical Features

They are common and occur on the inner aspect of lower lip. They may also occur on palate, cheek, tongue and flor of the mouth.
They occur most frequently during third decade of life.
Patient complains of painless swelling. The swelling may suddenly develops at meal time and may drain simultaneously at interval.
The swelling is round, oval, or smooth.
The superficial cyst appears as a bluish mass and if inflamed it is fluctuant, soft, nodular, and dome-shaped elevation.

Mucous cysts Treatment

Surgical removal is done by sharp and blunt dissection followed by excision of minor salivary gland.

Mucous retention Cyst

It is also known as a salivary duct cyst. It is a true cyst.

Mucous retention cyst Etiology

Obstruction to the minor salivary gland leads to retention of saliva, continuous pressure due to retention leads to dilatation of duct and forms a cyst.

Mucous retention cyst Clinical Features

It more commonly occurs in older individuals.
The most common site is the parotid gland. Intraorally, it is seen over buccal mucosa, lips, and floor of the mouth.
It is a slow growing lesion, soft, flctuant swelling which appear bluish in color.

Mucous retention cyst Treatment

Surgical excision is treatment of choice.