Mucoceles are considered cysts, which occur due to the rupture of a minor salivary gland, with 'leakage' of saliva into the surrounding tissue. They usually occur on the lower lip, which is easily detectable by parents or the child's paediatrician with a simple examination.
The percentage of cases in the Region of Murcia The treatment of these cysts is frequent, being their exeresis or 'removal' to prevent them from developing excessively due to a greater accumulation of the saliva that would be generated by this gland, which could have negative consequences for the patient.
There are two main types of mucocele:
– Extravasation mucoceleis the most common form and mainly affects children and adolescents. It is caused by trauma, such as bites or micro-traumas from piercings, chewing on pens, etc.
– Retention mucoceleis the least common form and affects patients over 40 years of age. It is related to obstruction of the lumen or 'exit' of the gland.
The treatment is simple and quick, performed in a single session under local anaesthesia.
Procedure for removal
- Local anaesthesia of the area
- Monitoring of haemostasis with special clamp for this purpose
- Scalpel incision at the base of the mucocele
- Mucosal debridement
- Removal of the affected minor salivary glands
- Joining the ends with dots
After the surgical procedure, relative rest and a soft, cold diet are advised for a few days. Anti-inflammatory treatment and chlorhexidine gel is prescribed for the area to prevent infection of the wound.
The stitches are removed after a week, leaving a small scar that gradually heals.
In this way, the procedure is painless for the child, preventing the mucocele from causing problems due to the accumulation of large amounts of saliva, and the wound is resolved within a few days.
For this reason, once lumps in mucosal tissues with salivary glands have been detected, it is important to consult your paediatric dentist as soon as possible. to confirm the diagnosis of mucocele and remove it as soon as possible.