Mucocele

Have you noticed a small, transparent or bluish blister on the inside of your lip, cheek or tongue? It could be amucocele, also called mucus cyst or retention cyst. It is a common and harmless condition that occurs when the flow of saliva is blocked, often after a small salivary gland is damaged. Mucocele is most common in children and young adults, and can be uncomfortable although it rarely hurts.

"Mucocele is often harmless but can interfere with everyday life, especially if the bladder grows or comes back. A thorough examination will help us determine whether it should be treated or heals on its own."
- Annette, dental nurse at Dentme

What is mucocele?

A mucocele is a mucus-filled bladder that forms when a smallsalivary gland - usually in the lower lip - is damaged or blocked. Saliva cannot drain normally and collects under the mucous membrane, creating a soft, translucent swelling.

Common sites of mucocele:

- Inside of the lower lip (most common)

- Inside of the cheek

- Underside or sides of the tongue

Symptoms

The typical signs of a mucocele are:

- Transparent, white or bluish bladder

- Soft, mobile swelling under the mucosa

- Painless but may become sore when pressed or bitten

- May return to the same location

- Common in children and adolescents with sucking or biting habits

Causes

Mucocele is most often caused by:

- Accidental biting of the lip or cheek

- Sucking or chewing that irritates a salivary gland

- Blockage of the salivary duct (e.g. by salivary stones - more rare)

- Trauma or blows to the mouth

When saliva cannot flow freely, a blister forms in the tissue.

When should you seek medical help?

Contact a dentist if:

- The blister does not disappear within 2-3 weeks

- It increases in size or interferes with speech, chewing or swallowing

- It recurs regularly

- You are unsure whether it is a mucocele or something else

A dentist can determine whether it is a mucocele or another type of mucosal lesion, such as a fibroma, hemangioma or enlarged salivary duct.

Treatment

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made through a clinical examination. In case of uncertainty or persistent symptoms, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other changes.

Surgical treatment

If the cyst does not disappear by itself, it is surgically removed. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and involves removing both the cyst and the associated salivary gland to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Aftercare

- Some swelling and tenderness is normal

- Avoid touching the area with your tongue or fingers

- Rinse your mouth according to the dentist's instructions

- Good oral hygiene helps healing

Prevention

Although mucocele cannot always be prevented, you can reduce your risk by

- Avoid biting your lip or cheek

- Counteract dry mouth if necessary

- Using a soft toothbrush

- Helping children stop sucking and biting habits

- Seeking dental care for recurrent bladder

Frequently asked questions about mucocele

Is mucocele dangerous?
No, it is a benign condition. However, if the bladder remains for several weeks or causes problems, it should be assessed.

How long can a mucocele last?
Many disappear spontaneously within 2-3 weeks. Surgical intervention may be needed if it does not heal.

Can mucocele come back after surgery?
Yes, but it is unusual if the entire affected salivary gland is removed.

Does it hurt to remove a mucocele?
No, it is not. The procedure is done with a local anesthetic and is usually quick and painless.

Can I treat mucocele myself at home?
No, you don't. Do not attempt to puncture the bladder. Contact dentist for safe assessment.

What is the difference between a mucocele and a regular bladder?
A normal bladder often disappears quickly and is not filled with mucus. A mucocele is an accumulation of mucus under the mucous membrane and lasts longer.

Is mucocele common in children?
Yes, especially in children who bite their lips or have other habits that irritate the mucous membrane.

Sources used by Dentme:

1177 Vårdguiden - Changes in the oral mucosa
https://www.1177.se

Dental Journal - Clinical cases: Mucocele and other mucosal lesions
https://www.tandlakartidningen.se

National Board of Health and Welfare - National guidelines for adult dental care
https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/regler-och-riktlinjer/nationella-riktlinjer/tandvard/ 

DermNet NZ - Oral mucous cyst (mucocele)

https://dermnetnz.org/topics/mucoceles/ 

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/leaflets/salivary-mucoceles