From the Guidelines
If you have a cyst under the tongue or on the roof of your mouth along with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD), it is crucial to consult with both a dentist or oral surgeon and your rheumatologist to determine the best course of action, as MCTD can affect esophageal function and increase the risk of complications 1. When considering the management of a cyst under the tongue or on the roof of the mouth in a patient with MCTD, it's essential to prioritize the patient's overall health and the potential impact of MCTD on oral tissues and healing processes.
- The cyst may be a mucocele (caused by blocked salivary glands) or a ranula, which typically requires surgical removal by an oral surgeon.
- MCTD patients should inform their oral surgeon about their condition and all medications, especially immunosuppressants, as these may affect healing and increase infection risk.
- Some patients may need prophylactic antibiotics before procedures, and the connection between MCTD and oral cysts isn't direct, but autoimmune conditions can affect oral tissues and healing processes, and some MCTD medications may increase susceptibility to oral infections or delayed healing 1. While waiting for professional care, rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz warm water) several times daily can help reduce inflammation, and it's essential to avoid irritating the cyst by not touching it with your tongue or fingers. The patient's MCTD diagnosis and medication regimen should be taken into account when developing a treatment plan, and close collaboration between the oral surgeon and rheumatologist is necessary to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient 1.
From the Research
Cyst Under Tongue Roof of Mouth and MCTD
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that links a cyst under the tongue roof of the mouth to Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- MCTD is a rare autoimmune condition characterized by overlapping features of other autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis 3, 5, 6.
- The clinical manifestations of MCTD can include Raynaud's phenomenon, arthralgias, swollen joints, esophageal dysfunction, muscle weakness, and organ involvement such as pulmonary, kidney, and cardiovascular disease 5, 6.
- While oral ulcers and periapical abscesses have been reported in a patient with MCTD 2, there is no specific mention of a cyst under the tongue roof of the mouth in the provided studies.
- Further research is needed to determine if there is any association between a cyst under the tongue roof of the mouth and MCTD, as the current evidence does not provide a clear link between the two conditions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.