Mucous retention cysts

Mucous retention cysts are sub-mucosal neoformations with a hard-elastic consistency and translucent appearance. They are caused by an obstruction of an excretory duct of a saliva gland and frequently located on the floor of the mouth. They are generally asymptomatic, they vary in volume and they do not tend to disappear spontaneously. Total, surgical removal of the cysts, including the minor salivary glands and capsule, avoids frequent recurrences. Mucous retention cysts must be distinguished from the neoplasia of the salivary glands (muco-epidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and pleomorphic adenoma).