Clinical characteristics, demographic trends, and management outcomes of oral mucoceles: A 10-year retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Oral mucoceles are common lesions involving the salivary glands, characterized by mucous extravasation or retention phenomena. Despite their prevalence, they are often underreported, leading to potential diagnostic challenges and oversight of unusual presentations. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, demographic trends, and management outcomes of oral mucoceles over a 10-year period.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on archival data from January 2014 to January 2024. Cases with a confirmed diagnosis of mucoceles based on histopathological examination were included. Data regarding demographic characteristics, anatomical site of mucocele, clinical presentation, biopsy type, and follow-up information were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Out of 58 clinically diagnosed mucocele cases, 53 were confirmed histopathologically. The mean age of the reviewed cases was 24.3 ± 16.5 years, with a male predominance (60.4%). Mucoceles predominantly affected the lower lip (62.3%), followed by the lip region (13.2%). Excisional biopsy was the preferred treatment modality (88.7%), with the mucous extravasation phenomenon being the predominant histopathological diagnosis (98.1%). Recurrence was observed in one case (1.9%).

Conclusion: This study contributes to understanding the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and management outcomes of oral mucoceles. The findings emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate management strategies to optimize patient care and outcomes.

Keywords: Histopathology; mucin; mucous extravasation; mucous retention; oral mucoceles; salivary acini.

Graph 1

Site of mucocele involvement

Figure 1

Clinical photograph showing mucocele involving the floor of the mouth

Figure 2

Clinical photograph showing mucocele involving the lower lip

Graph 2

Biopsy/Treatment trend for mucocele

Figure 3

Low-power micrograph depicting mucin spillage encased within a granulation tissue wall and fibrous capsule (4×, H&E)

Figure 4

Low-power micrograph granulation tissue wall and fibrous capsule (4×, H&E)

Figure 5

Micrograph demonstrating chronic inflammatory cell infiltration intermixed with spilled mucin, along with the presence of muciphages (40×, H&E)

Graph 3

Presence or absence of salivary acini on histological sections