ORAL MUCOCELES: A CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF 401 CASES WITH EMPHASIS ON UNUSUAL HISTOLOGICAL VARIANTS

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3> The aim of this study was to describe the clinicopathologic features of an oral mucoceles series, with emphasis on their unusual histologic variants. <h3>Study Design</h3> Between 2000 and 2018, all cases of oral mucoceles diagnosed at an oral pathology unit were analyzed. All slides stained in hematoxylin-eosin were reviewed for confirmation of diagnosis and detailed description. The collected data were analyzed in absolute and relative numbers for all described variables. <h3>Results</h3> Four hundred and one cases of oral mucoceles were diagnosed. There was a predilection for females (58.6%) and the most affected site was the lower lip (78.8%). The mean evolution time was 6 months, with a mean size of 8.9 mm. Excisional biopsy was the treatment of choice for most cases (68.1%). Among the unusual histopathologic features (<i>n</i> = 83; 20.8%), superficial mucoceles (30.1%), a significant reduction in lumen (26.5%), dissociation of collagen fibers (18.1%), myxoglobulosis (12.1%), papillary synovial metaplasia-like changes (10.8%), and clear cell changes (2.4%) were observed. The most predominant mucus was of the myxoid type (56.1%). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Oral mucoceles may present unusual histologic variations, but they do not seem to alter the clinical behavior of the lesion.