NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT WITH TYING OF MUCOCELE

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Journal of the Korean Academy of Pediatric Dentistry 2002;29(3):413-417.
Published online August 31, 2002.

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT WITH TYING OF MUCOCELE

봉합사를 이용한 점액종의 비외과적 처치

이용석, 최병재, 최형준, 손흥규

연세대학교 치과대학 소아치과학교실

Abstract

Mucocele is a mucous retention phenomenon which is caused by a laceration to the duct of minor salivary glands causing extravasation of mucin into the connective tissue forming a cyst-like space. Sialolithiasis of minor salivary glands and chronic obstruction of salivary glands may also cause such a phenomenon. Mucocele is a smooth, rounded sessile mass with diameters varying from 1 to 15mm of sudden appearance. Mucocele tying directly beneath the mucosa may rupture spontaneously and decrease in size, but frequently recurs. Lower lip is most frequently affected, and the mouth floor and buccal vestibule may also be affected. Enucleation of the cyst is needed and removal of minor salivary glands, marsupialization and cryotherapy may also be done. The mucocele frequently recurs after its removal. A 1-year-old female patient visited the hospital with a complaint of a swelling on the lower lip since 4 months before. She had no pain history but 4 months ago, fell and such symptom appeared since then. On her first visit, a bullous solid, opaque lesion of 5mm in diameter was noted. Treatment choice of surgical approach and nonsurgical approach were explained to the guardian. Considering the patient's age, the guardian agreed to a nonsurgical procedure. Treatment was carried out by tieing 3-0 silk to the base of the lesion. One week later, the tie loosened and was re-tied. A week later, the mucocele disappeared. Mucocele on the lower lip may be usually be treated by surgical removal, but this may traumatize the surrounding minor salivary gland causing it to recur. Also, surgicial removal may induce an ischemic change causing sialometaplasia. In case of young patients or children with management problems, non-surgical methods such as this tie method may be used. This tie method does not need any local anesthesia and has no pain, no secondary infection, and low bleeding tendency.

Key Words: Mucocele, Non-surgical treatment