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Alternative names Return to top
Mucocele; Mucous retention cyst; Ranula (when on the floor of the mouth); Epulis (when on the gums)Definition Return to top
A mucous cyst is a painless, bluish, transparent structure consisting of clear fluid trapped beneath a thin layer of mucous membrane.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Mucous cysts are common on the inner surface of the lips and appear as a semitransparent fluid-filled blister. They are painless but bothersome because people are so aware of irregularities in the mouth. The cysts are thought to be caused by sucking action drawing the mucous membranes between the teeth. Mucous cysts are harmless. If left untreated, however, they can organize and form a permanent bump on the inner surface of the lip.Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Physical examination is sufficient to diagnose a mucous cyst.Treatment Return to top
A mucous cyst often can be left alone; it usually will rupture spontaneously. Opening the top of the bleb with sterile needle is curative. If the cyst recurs, it may need to be removed (excised).Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Full recovery can be expected.Complications Return to top
There are usually no complications.Calling your health care provider Return to top
If it becomes uncomfortable, have the cyst examined by your health care provider during a routine examination.Prevention Return to top
There is no known prevention. Avoiding intentionally sucking the cheeks or lips between the teeth may be helpful. Update Date: 10/30/2003 Updated by: Philip L. Graham III, M.D., M.S., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of New York, Columbia University, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |