egg white. Diagnosis The histologic appearance is similar to mucoceles from other locations. The spilled mucin causes a granulation tissue to form, which usually contains foamy histiocytes. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging may be useful to image the lesion. A small squamous cell carcinoma obstructing the Wharton duct may require clinical examination to be distinguished from a ranula. Criteria Mostly seen in young children and adolescents, both sexes are equally affected. Swelling in floor of mouth, which may be painful. Mostly unilateral, on one side of frenulum. Shape is spherical Size varies from 1 – 5 cm in diameter Color is pale blue with characteristics semi transparent appearance. Surface is smooth and mucous membrane is mobile over the swelling. Tenderness is absent Fluctuation test is positive Transillumination test is positive Cervical lymph nodes are not enlarged. May or may not have prolongation in the neck. Classification A ranula is a type of mucocele, and therefore could be classified as a disorder of the salivary glands. Usually a ranula is confined to the floor of the mouth (termed a "simple ranula"). An unusual variant is the cervical ranula (also called a plunging or diving ranula), where the swelling is in the neck rather than the floor of the mouth. The term ranula is also sometimes used to refer to other similar swellings of the floor of mouth such as true salivary duct cysts, dermoid cysts and cystic hygromas. The Latin word rana means "frog" (ranula = "little frog"). Treatment Treatment of ranulae usually involves removal of the sublingual gland. Surgery may not be required if the ranula is small and asymptomatic. Marsupialization may sometimes be used, where the intra-oral lesion is opened to the oral cavity with the aim of allowing the sublingual gland to re-establish connection with the oral cavity. Epidemiology The lesion is usually present in children. Ranulae are the most common pathologic lesion associated with the sublingual glands. Other animals References Kahn, Michael A. Basic Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Volume 1. 2001. External links Salivary gland pathology