Treatment of Ranula by OK‐432: Pearls and Pitfalls

Abstract

Objective: Intralesional injection therapy with OK-432 was developed as a therapy for operatively difficult lymphangioma (cystic hygroma) and is currently becoming a first choice treatment of this disease. The aim of this article was to evaluate the outcome and complications of the treatment of patients with ranula by OK-432 therapy. Method: We tried this therapy in 55 patients with ranula between January 2001 and February 2012. We injected OK-432 solution into the lesion with a 27-gauge needle to prevent the leak of the agent out of the cyst. We performed this treatment on an outpatient basis without hospitalization. Results: Disappearance and marked reduction of the lesion were observed in all patients who had this therapy, and local scarring and deformity did not occur in any patients. As side effects, local pain at the injection site and fever (37 to 39°C) were observed in few cases of the patients who had this therapy, but such problems resolved within a few days. Dermoid cyst might be kept in mind to make differential diagnosis for ranula. Conclusion: These results may allow us to speculate that intralesional injection therapy with OK-432 is simple, easy, safe, and effective, and it can be used as a substitute for surgery in the treatment of ranula.