Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery : official publication of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery
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J Craniomaxillofac Surg · May 1989
Review Case ReportsThe plunging ranula. Pathogenesis, diagnosis and management.
Ranulas are cysts resulting from retention, or extravasation of saliva from the sublingual gland. Two varieties are described: a superficial or oral ranula and a cervical or plunging ranula. The plunging ranula is located below the mylohyoid muscle and may present as a swelling in the upper part of the neck. ⋯ Recurrences are mainly due to unfamiliarity with this phenomenon and ignorance of its aetiology. Successful treatment of the plunging ranula consists of excision of the ipsilateral sublingual salivary gland, which is the source of this disorder, and intra-oral evacuation of the pseudocyst of the neck swelling. There is no need for an extensive neck dissection of the cervical extension.