Depending on its size, your doctor can make an incision and drain the cyst to decrease swelling. Even if this treatment works, fluid may accumulate again. Surgery is effective for larger ranulas. This involves removal of the cyst and the parent sublingual gland.
How long does ranula surgery take?
In an uncomplicated procedure it will take approximately 30 minutes to remove the sublingual gland.
How do you Marsupialize a ranula?
Marsupialization is usually achieved by cutting a slit and thereafter stitching the edges such that the epithelium of the exterior becomes continuous with that of the interior of a cyst. A stitch-and-stab technique of achieving patency of the created slit of marsupialized ranula is hereby presented.
What kind of doctor removes ranula?
After an exam, he is referred to an oral surgeon with a probability of a ranula. After removal and tissue biopsy, the diagnosis by an oral pathologist was that of a ranula.
Can a dentist remove a ranula?
Treatment for a simple ranula involves excision of the lesion. Another method is simple marsupialization or incision of the cyst creating a pouch and suturing of the ranula followed by packing of the entire cyst cavity with gauze for 7 days to 10 days.
Do ranulas need to be removed?
Rarely, a ranula can spontaneously go away without any treatment but usually a procedure will be needed to treat the problem. Simple drainage of the fluid collection rarely permanently fixes the problem as the diseased gland continues to leak saliva.
Should a ranula be removed?
In fact, some authors suggest ranulas, both oral and plunging, are best managed by marsupialization or ranula excision, whereas others recommend removal of the ranula along with the sublingual gland. Other authors feel that removal of the submandibular gland is important in the management of the plunging ranula.
Do Ranulas need treatment?
Treatment of a ranula Some cysts may disappear on their own. Treatment is necessary, however, for enlarged simple ranulas, especially when swelling interferes with swallowing or speaking, and for most plunging ranulas. Children who require treatment for a ranula will see a pediatric otolaryngologist (ENT).
Do Ranulas need to be removed?