A ranula is a soft, fluid-filled sac that develops beneath the tongue on the floor of the mouth, typically presenting as a bluish, swollen lump. It arises from a blocked or damaged salivary gland and requires surgical treatment for a definitive cure. As a specialist Head and Neck surgeon, Dr. Naveed Basheeth provides expert diagnosis and surgical management of ranulas to prevent recurrence and restore comfort.
Will a ranula go away on its own?
It is very unlikely. While a small ranula might occasionally rupture and temporarily deflate, it will almost always recur as long as the underlying sublingual gland continues to leak saliva. Surgical removal is the only reliable cure.
Why does the whole sublingual gland need to be removed?
The sublingual gland is the source of the problem. Simply removing the cyst (the ranula) without removing the gland that created it is like mopping up a leak without fixing the pipe. Removing the gland is the key to preventing the ranula from coming back.
Will I have a dry mouth if you remove one of my salivary glands?
No. You have hundreds of other salivary glands, including three other major glands, that will continue to produce more than enough saliva to keep your mouth moist and healthy. You will not notice any difference in your overall saliva production.
Is the surgery performed through an incision on my neck?
For a simple ranula confined to the floor of the mouth, the entire procedure is done through the mouth, leaving no visible scars. For a plunging ranula that has created a swelling in the neck, an additional small incision on the neck is usually required for complete and safe removal.