Congenital ranula in a newborn: a rare presentation

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Congenital Anomalies

Background:

• Ranulas are rare cystic lesions originating in the floor of the mouth, typically presenting as either retention cysts or pseudocysts.
• These lesions result from mucus extravasation into surrounding tissues, often associated with salivary gland duct obstruction or trauma.
• Congenital ranulas, while uncommon, represent a specific subset requiring careful evaluation and management in neonates.

Observation:

• A full-term female neonate presented with a congenital ranula located on the left side of the floor of the mouth.
• The ranula was asymptomatic, causing no discomfort or complications, and therefore did not necessitate immediate intervention.
• The lesion's size and location were documented, noting its non-obstructive nature.

Findings:

• The congenital ranula in this neonate was successfully treated via aspiration using a wide-bore needle.
• Post-treatment follow-up at four months revealed no recurrence of the ranula.
• This minimally invasive approach proved effective for this specific case.

Implications:

• Congenital ranulas in neonates may be managed conservatively, with observation for spontaneous resolution in uncomplicated cases.
• Aspiration offers a simple, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option for symptomatic or persistent congenital ranulas.
• This case highlights the potential for successful non-surgical management of neonatal ranulas, avoiding more invasive procedures.