Histopathological spectrum of 112 cases of mucocele

Mucoceles are mucous cysts related to obstruction or trauma of the minor salivary glands. The mucoceles may be lined by epithelium (mucous retention cyst) or covered by granulation tissue (extravasation cyst). This clinical and microscopic study of 112 cases of diagnosed mucoceles was carried out at the Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry of São Paulo. Microscopically, the mucous extravasation cyst was the most commonly found (92.45%); however, mucous retention cysts were also observed (7.54%). Inflammatory cells mainly polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages were found in the inner part of the mucus. The minor glands involved showed degeneration and metaplasia.