Atypical presentation of salivary mucocele: diagnosis and management

A mucocele is a common pathological lesion involving the minor salivary glands. It usually presents as an asymptomatic small superficial swelling over the lower labial mucosa. However, uncommon variants of oral mucoceles sometimes occur. Such lesions may be difficult to diagnose due to their unusual size and atypical clinical presentation. This article describes the case of a deeply embedded large mucocele over the buccal mucosa. Ultrasonography was used to visualize the size and position of the lesion, and aspiration was used to help in the eventual diagnosis. An intraoral approach was used in the complete removal of the lesion.