Salivary Glands

Ranula is a type of cyst that forms under the tongue due to a blocked or damaged salivary gland. It could be simple ranula located within the floor of the mouth, typically due to a blocked sublingual gland duct; or plunging ranula that extends beyond the floor of the mouth into the neck, involving the submandibular gland or duct. Sometimes observation and monitoring are enough, but if required, surgical excision of the offending salivary gland, which is usually the sublingual gland, may be needed. This procedure is assisted with sialendoscopy. It can also be managed with marsupialisation, sclerotherapy or laser therapy. Majority of the surgical interventions is undertaken transorally, while a small proportion of the cases may warrant a transcervical approach.