Ductal variation of the sublingual gland: a predisposing factor for ranula formation.
case_series · Level IV
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 23729331.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1002/hed.23324.
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate ranula development according to anatomic variation of the sublingual gland (SLG). We conducted a prospective, consecutive case series considering other clinical conditions. Twenty-five cases treated by SLG excision were enrolled in this study. The ductal structures of the SLGs of another 11 patients undergoing similar surgeries for other conditions were compared. In 19 of a total of 25 ranulas (76.0%) and 16 of 18 oral nonplunging ranulas (88.9%), the SLG showed an anatomic variation of the main duct called Bartholin's duct structure. Meanwhile, only 3 of 7 plunging ranulas (42.9%) had Bartholin's ducts. Bartholin's duct structure of the SLG was not found in the 11 control cases. Anatomic variation of the ductal system of the SLG might be a possible cause of ranulas. Surgical resection of the SLG is a better treatment choice for ranulas than other, more conservative treatments.
Medical subject headings
- Ranula
- Salivary Ducts
- Sublingual Gland