A rare case of an extensive plunging ranula: Discussion of imaging, diagnosis, and management

• Published in: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology and endodontics Vol. 93; no. 6; pp. 743 - 746
• Main Authors: Shelley, Michael J., Yeung, Kar H., Bowley, Nicolas B., Sneddon, Kenneth J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: St. Louis, MO Mosby, Inc 01-06-2002; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Dentistry; Drainage; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Medical sciences; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Ranula - diagnostic imaging; Ranula - pathology; Ranula - surgery; Sublingual Gland - surgery; Tumors; Ultrasonography; Upper respiratory tract, upper alimentary tract, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands: diseases, semeiology; Case study; Human; Mucoid cyst; Clinical management; Treatment; ENT disease; Soft tissue; Neck; Diagnosis; Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; Bibliographic review
• ISSN: 1079-2104; 1528-395X
• DOI: 10.1067/moe.2002.122504

A plunging ranula is a mucous extravasation cyst appearing as a swelling in the submental and submandibular regions. We describe a rare case of massive plunging ranula involving multiple tissue spaces. A magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed the true extent of the lesion and its relationship to the surrounding structures. Other imaging techniques and diagnostic tests are discussed. The unusual course of events following surgical excision of the offending sublingual gland is presented. The relevant literature is reviewed. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2002;93:743-6)