Plunging Ranula Occurring Without its Oral Counterpart: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery
• Head and Neck Pathology

Background:

• Ranulas are benign, mucus-retention cysts originating from salivary gland ducts in the oral floor.
• Plunging ranulas extend beyond the oral cavity, dissecting through the mylohyoid muscle into the neck.
• While typically associated with an intraoral component, plunging ranulas can rarely present solely as a cervical mass.

Observation:

• A rare case of a plunging ranula without an intraoral component is presented.
• The patient was an 11-year-old male with a submandibular swelling.
• Diagnostic evaluation confirmed a plunging ranula dissecting the mylohyoid muscle.

Findings:

• This case represents an unusual manifestation of a plunging ranula, emphasizing its potential to occur exclusively in the neck.
• The pathogenesis involves mucin extravasation and dissection through fascial planes, bypassing the oral cavity.
• Successful management involved surgical intervention, addressing the cervical mass.

Implications:

• This report expands the understanding of ranula presentations, particularly in pediatric patients.
• It underscores the importance of considering plunging ranulas in the differential diagnosis of pediatric neck masses.
• Further research into the specific factors leading to isolated plunging ranulas may refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.