MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Mucous cyst

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Mucous cyst

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition Causes Symptoms Exams and Tests	Treatment Possible Complications When to Contact a Medical Professional Prevention References

Illustrations

Mouth sores

Alternative Names Return to top

Mucocele; Mucous retention cyst; Ranula; Epulis

Definition Return to top

A mucous cyst is a painless, thin sac on the inner surface of the lips. It contains clear fluid.

Causes Return to top

Mucous cysts are common. They are painless but can be bothersome because you are so aware of the bumps in your mouth. The cysts are thought to be caused by sucking the lip membranes between the teeth.

Mucous cysts are harmless. If left untreated, however, they can organize and form a permanent bump on the inner surface of the lip.

They are called ranula when on the floor of the mouth, and epulis when on the gums.

The sac may form around jewelry that has been inserted into the lips or tongue (“piercings”).

Symptoms Return to top

A thin, fluid-filled sac appears on the inside of the lip. The sac is bluish and clear. It is painless, but bothersome.

The sac can also occur on the tongue, palate, inside the cheeks, the floor of the mouth, or around tongue or lip piercings.

Exams and Tests Return to top

Your doctor can usually diagnose a mucous cyst simply by looking at it.

Treatment Return to top

A mucous cyst often can be left alone; it usually will rupture spontaneously. Opening the top of the sac with a sterile needle will help it go away. If the cyst returns, it may need to be removed.

To prevent infection and damage to the tissue, opening the sac should NOT be performed at home by the parents. This should be performed by your health care provider. Oral surgeons and some dentists can easily remove the sacs if they continue to be uncomfortable.

Possible Complications Return to top

There are usually no complications.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

If it becomes uncomfortable, have the cyst examined by your health care provider during a routine examination.

Prevention Return to top

There is no known prevention. Avoid intentionally sucking the cheeks or lips between the teeth.

References Return to top

Maheu-Robert LF, Andrian E, Grenier D. Overview of complications secondary to tongue and lip piercings. J Can Dent Assoc. 2007; 73(4):327-331.

Update Date: 7/17/2007

Updated by: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.