Diagnostic challenges of superficial mucoceles: An update.

Abstract

A superficial mucocele is a unique variant of a mucocele of the oral cavity that was described by Eveson for the first time in 1988. It occurs due to subepithelial extravasation of sialomucin at the epithelial-connective tissue interface and is related to damage of the minor salivary gland ducts. Clinically, they appear as small, asymptomatic, clear, tense vesicles with a predilection for the soft palate, retromolar pads, and posterior buccal mucosa. They are reported to occur more frequently in women than in men. Before Eveson endeavoured to describe these rather peculiar lesions, they were often misdiagnosed as vesiculobullous lesions such as bullous lichen planus, mucous membrane pemphigoid, and the like. It is incumbent on the present-day pathologist to be cognizant of the presence of these entities as it could present a formidable diagnostic challenge otherwise. This review gives an updated account on the etiology, prevalence, clinical features, differential diagnosis, and management of superficial mucoceles.