I have developed an oral mucous cyst. Should I be concerned?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I think that I have developed some kind of a lump or a bubble overnight under my tongue. I am just wondering whether I should be concerned or not.
It has not happened overnight but I only noticed it this morning however I could be wrong.
Please help.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern. If the lump is big enough to be held by your finger when you palpate physically, it may need a biopsy. However, from the photo that you have shared (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), it looks like a common ranula to me.
If the sublingual salivary glands are blocked or there is some minor obstruction, then a ranula can form. I suggest you to start rinsing with warm salt water several times a day, and start using a Chlorhexidine mouthwash.
Usually a ranula is self-limiting and resolves on its own. I advise you to observe for the next two days if it is reducing in size or not. I will suggest you surgical excision of ranula only if it does not resolve after rinsing and mouth washing.
I suggest that you can also use a Lidocaine 2% and Benzocaine oral pain gel to that area to reduce the size.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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