Minimizing the recurrence risk of mucocele by surgical excision

Mucocele is a benign lesion in mucosa due to a ruptured salivary gland duct and consequent outpouring of mucin into the soft tissue. Extravasation and retention are two mucocele types. Extravasation mucoceles most commonly occur in the minor salivary gland; are mostly observed in young patients, particularly children; and have no sex predilection. Surgical excision is the most recommended treatment option. We report on mucocele surgical excision in a 6-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl. Case report: A boy aged 6 years and 3 months and a girl aged 13 years visited the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic in the Dental and Oral Education Hospital, University of Indonesia, with chief complaints of lower lip swelling that were diagnosed as extravasation mucocele after history and clinical examination and surgical excision was planned. Predilection areas for extravasation mucoceles are the lower labial mucosa, buccal mucosa, and retromolar area. Treatment options include surgical excision, marsupialization, micromarsupialization, cryosurgery, and CO2 laser. Surgical excision of mucocele and removal of any adjacent minor salivary glands that may be feeding into the lesion to minimize recurrence risk is recommended.