From the Research
Surgical removal, specifically micro-marsupialization, is the most effective treatment for a mucocele, as it is a simple, minimally invasive procedure with a low postoperative complication rate and is well-tolerated by patients. This is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which compared micro-marsupialization to surgical excision for the treatment of mucoceles and found no statistically significant difference between the two methods 1.
Key Considerations
- Mucoceles are benign, mucus-filled extravasation pseudocysts that commonly arise on the lower lip of children and young adults 2, 3.
- The treatment of choice is surgical removal, which can be done through simple excision, marsupialization, or cryotherapy 2, 4.
- Micro-marsupialization is a minimally invasive procedure that is well-tolerated by patients and has a low postoperative complication rate 4, 5.
- Recurrence is possible, especially if the minor salivary gland causing the mucocele isn't completely removed 4, 5.
Treatment Options
- Micro-marsupialization: a simple, minimally invasive procedure with a low postoperative complication rate and is well-tolerated by patients 4, 5.
- Surgical excision: a more invasive procedure that may be necessary for larger or more persistent mucoceles 2, 4.
- Cryotherapy: a procedure that uses freezing temperatures to destroy the mucocele, but may not be as effective as surgical removal 1.