CT and MRI Procedures: Ranula

Ranulas are termed as pseudocyts that are caused by blockage of flow of saliva or can be caused by trauma. Ranulas usually arise from the major salivary glands that can be found in the oral cavity or in the cervical area. Ranulas account for .2% per 1000 people. According to the Minnesota Oral Disease Prevalence Study randula occurrences are ranked 41st. They account for 6% of oral sialocysts. Ranulas on the cervical are considered rare. Ranulas are usually painless and are typically not life threatening. However, they may interfere with swallowing, chewing, speech and respiration functions. They tend to be more prevalent in males. Oral ranulas are usually under the tongue and are a bluish tint and can medially and superiorly displace the tongue. Causes can include traumas from birth from forceps or suction of the infants mouth, sucking on fingers, passing through the birth canal. Escaped mucus from an injured gland causing the raised bump. Treatment includes lancing the ranula and draining the fluid, surgical excision including the salivary gland associated, or an intracystic injection.