Plunging ranula
Plunging ranula A plunging ranula is a type of mucous cyst that forms when a sublingual gland duct becomes obstructed or ruptured, allowing mucous to leak into the surrounding tissue. Unlike a typical ranula (which is confined to the floor of the mouth), a plunging ranula extends into the submandibular space and may present as a swelling in the neck. It is a type of cervical ranula that forms due to a ruptured duct or gland, spilling mucus into the deeper tissues. 1. Cause and Etiology The main cause of a plunging ranula is the obstruction of the sublingual gland duct, often due to: · Trauma : Injury to the mouth or sublingual gland can cause rupture or obstruction of the gland's duct. · Salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis) : A stone in the duct may block the flow of saliva, leading to mucus accumulation and cyst formation. · ...