Clinicopathologic Evaluation and Management of Twenty Cases of Oral Mucoceles

Background: Oral mucoceles are benign minor salivary gland lesions characterized by a single or multiple, soft, fluctuant nodule, ranging from normal oral mucosal color to deep blue depending upon the extent of the swelling in deeper layers. This study evaluated clinicopathological features, including the etiology and management of oral mucoceles. Methods: Twenty cases of oral mucoceles were diagnosed, and parameters such as age, gender, etiology, site, clinical presentation, including size, any symptoms, and treatment mode underwent evaluation. Results: In 20 cases, the lesions were found to be more common in males compared to females (16:4). The most common site was the lower lip, and the etiology of mucocele was lip biting, with 80% of cases normal in color and size ranging between 5 mm and 10 mm. The most common type based on histopathology evaluation was the extravasation type in almost all cases. Conclusion: The non-neoplastic benign lesions of minor or major salivary glands pose a diagnostic challenge because of their close resemblance to other pathologies and iatrogenic responses. Thus, the clinical knowledge and pathogenesis of these lesions are necessary for the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.