Ranula: A Review of Literature

Ranulas are cystic lesions which results from rupture or damage of ducts of the sublingual glands leading to mucus extravasation or dilatation of the gland's duct. Extravasation cysts are more common as compared to retention cysts. Ranula mostly arises from sublingual glands and involvement of the submandibular gland is rare. Ranula often protrudes into the floor of the mouth, having only an oral component. Ranulas can be of three types based on the clinical presentation. "Sublingual ranulas" are most common and presents with intraoral sublingual swelling. The ranulas that are located cervically beyond mylohyoid are termed "plunging ranulas", and those having an oral and cervical component are called "sublingual plunging ranula"[1]. The basic aim of this article is to present the review of literature regarding ranula.