MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Mucous cyst

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Mucous cyst

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Mouth sores

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

a transparent fluid filled bleb on the inside of the lip
also seen on the tongue, palate, inside the cheeks (buccal mucosa) and the floor of the mouth (ranulas)
lesion is painless

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).

Note: To prevent infection and damage to the tissue, opening the bleb should NOT be performed at home by the parents; it should be performed by your health care provider.

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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