Abstract

Superficial mucocele is a variant of the commonly encountered classic type of mucocele. Clinically, it is a small, innocuous, clear, tense vesicle that has a predilection for the soft palate, retromolar region, and buccal mucosa. Histopathologically, it is characterized by extravasation of mucus into the tissues immediately below the epithelium. A few cases of superficial mucocele have been reported, and the lesion has been occasionally misdiagnosed as subepithelial vesiculating disorders such as bullous lichen planus, mucous membrane pemphigoid, or herpes simplex infection. Two cases of superficial mucocele are presented. The first patient was a 47-year-old woman. Multiple vesicles 1 to 3 mm in diameter were observed on her lower lip, buccal mucosa, retromolar region, and soft palate. The second patient was a 45-year-old woman presenting with recurrent small vesicles on the soft palate. Biopsy showed that these lesions had histologic features consistent with those of mucocele. On the basis of clinical findings, superficial mucocele was diagnosed. Differences from common mucocele and the pathogenesis and differential disgnosis of this rare lesion are described.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call