Oral mucocele or mucous escape reaction an obstructive disorder : A report of 2 cases

The mucous escape reaction or Mucocele as it is called is a salivary gland lesion of traumatic origin which is formed when the main duct of a minor salivary gland is torn with subsequent extravasation of the mucus into the fibrous connective tissue. In due course a cyst like cavity is produced which is filled with mucin. This lesion is described by number of names including mucus retention phenomena or mucus retention cyst, and Ranula. Common site of occurrence of Mucocele is said to be lower lip, followed by the floor of mouth and buccal mucosa. The treatment of mucocele must be planned in such a way , taking into consideration the various clinical parameters and any oral habits that are probable as these lesions have a propensity of recurrence. This paper gives an insight into the phenomenon, clinical characteristics along with histopathology features, and clinical management of mucocele. More over it is essential for a dentist to visually recognize oral lesions such as mucocele and be aware of functional problems associated with such an entity in daily clinical practice.