Mucous extravasation theory as a cause of plunging ranulas

Abstract

Abstract The theory that plunging ranulas arise as a result of mucous extravasation from the sublingual salivary gland is investigated. Biochemical, histochemical, and histological results support the view that plunging ranulas are salivary gland extravasations, which most probably arise from the sublingual gland. Two cases of plunging ranula were treated by primary excision of the sublingual gland through the mouth. The successful results support the view that the extravasating source is the sublingual gland.