Differential Diagnosis for Movable Non-Painful Swelling at the Mouth Floor

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Ranula: A type of mucocele that occurs on the floor of the mouth, typically resulting from the obstruction of the sublingual gland or duct. It is usually movable and non-painful, making it the most likely diagnosis for a swelling with these characteristics.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Mucocele: Similar to a ranula but can occur in other locations within the oral cavity. It is also caused by the obstruction of a salivary gland or duct and presents as a movable, non-painful swelling.
  • Lipoma or other benign soft tissue tumors: These can occur in the mouth floor and present as movable, non-painful swellings.
  • Cystic hygroma or lymphangioma: Although more common in the neck, these can extend into the mouth floor and present as a soft, movable mass.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Squamous cell carcinoma or other malignancies: Although less likely to present as a non-painful, movable swelling, oral cancers can have varied presentations. Early detection is crucial for treatment outcomes, making this a critical diagnosis not to miss.
  • Infection or abscess: While typically painful, an abscess or infection in the early stages or in immunocompromised patients might present with minimal symptoms, including a non-painful swelling.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Dermoid cyst: A type of teratoma that can occur in the mouth floor, presenting as a movable, non-painful swelling.
  • Hemangioma or vascular malformations: These can present as soft tissue swellings and, although rare in the mouth floor, should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
  • Neurofibroma: A rare benign tumor of the nerve tissue that can occur in the oral cavity, including the mouth floor, and present as a movable swelling.