Conventional surgical treatment of oral mucocele: a series of 23 cases.

AIM

Mucocele is a common lesion of the oral mucosa that results from alterations of the minor salivary glands due to mucous accumulation, causing swelling. Conventional surgical treatment was planned for these lesions in a group of children and the success rates of the therapy during the transitional period from mixed to permanent dentition were assessed with a series of follow-ups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A series of 23 cases of mucocele was observed in children under 10 years of age. Clinically the lesions consisted of a soft, bluish and transparent cystic swelling which normally resolved spontaneously and reappeared after rupture in few days. All cases were treated by conventional surgical procedure with excision of minor salivary glands and underwent a 3-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Out of the 23 cases, 19 (82.6%) were in the lower lip, 2 (8.6%) in the cheek, 1 (4.3%) in the retromolar area and 1 (4.3%) in the upper lip. Those in the lower lip, 15 (79%) were away from the midline and 4 (21%) at midline. One (4.3%) recurrence was seen at the 6-month follow-up. After 3 years, recurrence rate remained the same.

CONCLUSION

Conventional surgical excision with removal of affected minor salivary glands in paediatric patients is a definite treatment for mucocele.