Mucocele of the oral cavity

by Jason Wasserman MD PhD FRCPC
July 17, 2024


Background:

A mucocele of the oral cavity, also known as a mucus cyst, is a noncancerous growth inside the mouth. It is called a “mucocele” because it is filled with mucus. This condition commonly involves the lips, inner cheeks, and floor of the mouth.

What causes a mucocele in the oral cavity?

Mucoceles in the oral cavity are typically caused by trauma such as biting. Other causes include blocked ducts, salivary gland stones, and chronic dry mouth.

What is inside a mucocele?

Mucoceles are filled with a sticky fluid called mucus.

Can a mucocele in the oral cavity turn into cancer over time?

No. A mucocele in the oral cavity is a benign (noncancerous) growth that will not become cancerous over time.

How is this diagnosis made?

Your doctor may suspect that you have a mucocele after examining your mouth. In some cases, the diagnosis is made after the mucocele is surgically removed, and the tissue is sent to a pathologist for examination under a microscope.

Microscopic features of a mucocele

When examined under the microscope, a mucocele looks like a round open space surrounded by inflammatory cells called histiocytes. Pathologists use the term cyst or cystic lesion to describe this space. Other types of inflammatory cells, such as lymphocytes and plasma cells, may also be seen. In cases where the mucocele has ruptured (broken up), specialized inflammatory cells called multinucleated giant cells may also be seen.

This image shows a mucocele in the oral cavity. The mucocele appears as a round open space. On the right side of the image, a small amount of blue mucus can be seen inside the mucocele.
This image shows a mucocele in the oral cavity. The mucocele appears as a round open space. On the right side of the image, a small amount of blue mucus can be seen inside the mucocele.

About this article

Doctors wrote this article to help you read and understand your pathology report. Contact us with any questions about this article or your pathology report. Read this article for a more general introduction to the parts of a typical pathology report.

Other helpful resources

Atlas of Pathology
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