Ranula

Full Definition

A ranula is a mucocele occurring specifically on the floor of the mouth, most often derived from the sublingual gland or, less frequently, from the submandibular duct or minor salivary glands of that region. It presents as a translucent, bluish, dome-shaped swelling lateral to the lingual frenum. A 'plunging' or 'cervical' ranula occurs when mucin dissects through the mylohyoid muscle into the neck, creating a cervical mass without a visible intraoral component. Editors must use 'ranula' for floor-of-mouth lesions rather than the generic 'mucocele.' The plunging variant must be clearly distinguished from simple ranula in both clinical and operative reports.

Usage

Usage note: Always distinguish simple (intraoral) from plunging (cervical) ranula in clinical documentation. Do not substitute 'mucocele' when the floor-of-mouth location is confirmed.

In Context

• "Imaging confirmed a plunging ranula extending below the mylohyoid muscle into the left submandibular space." — Radiology report
• "The manuscript used 'mucocele of the floor of the mouth' throughout; the editor standardized this to 'ranula' per convention." — Editorial revision note