Submandibular gland mucocele - Diagnosis and management

Mucoceles originating from the submandibular gland are extremely rare. A re view of the English literature resulted in identification of only 5 such ca ses. We have diagnosed and treated 2 submandibular mucoceles. Both lesions were removed in continuity with the submandibular and sublingual glands. No complications and no recurrences have occurred to date. The diagnosis of t hese lesions is complicated because of the lack of specific clinical diagno stic criteria and the similarity between submandibular mucoceles and plungi ng or cervical ranulas. Computerized tomography and specifically the presen ce of a so called "tail" sign is pathognomonic for plunging ranula. This si gn is absent in mucoceles originating in the submandibular glands. The trea tment strategies vary as well. A diagnostic algorithm and a surgical ration ale for treatment of submandibular mucoceles are presented.