Q: This type of swelling is a(n):
(A). Ranula
(B). Mucocele
(C). Exostosis
(D). Ulcer
The image shows a rounded elevation that looks like it may contain some fluid and is located on the floor of the mouth. Here is the summary you can see at StudentRDH dental hygiene boards review course (Nationals or CSCE), in the chapter of Oral Pathology.
o Origin: swelling caused by the spilling of fluids into the tissues due to blocked or damaged salivary glands.
o Both mucocele and ranula appear as dome-shaped, soft, movable nodule. They have a bluish hue and are painless.
o Mucocele is commonly present on the lower lip.
o May also appear on the palate, top of the tongue or other areas of accessory gland ducts.
o Smaller than ranula, usually ranges from a few millimeters and stay under 1.5 cm.
o Ranula usually appears as a larger, dark lesion on the floor of the mouth.
o Related to the blockage in the sublingual and submandibular glands.
o Surgical removal may or may not be needed.
o May occur at all ages.
This leads us to our answer ->
Answer: (A). Ranula
I would rate this information as “super important” for the Dental Hygiene Board Exams (NBDHE, NDHCE, CSCE) because the case studies may have photographs.
Oral pathology related to the salivary glands
To supplement our knowledge on ranula/mucocele, I would like to review quickly one more condition that is related to the salivary glands for the national dental hygiene boards. You probably heard about sialolith, which is a calcified mass or stone in the major/minor salivary glands. Here is more information you should know:
o The majority of stones affect the submandibular glands (compared to the parotid gland or sublingual gland) because of its long and complex duct.
o Can cause inflammation and pain on the floor of the mouth.
o For the removal of small stones, stimulating saliva flow by sucking on a lemon or sour candies may help.
This is all part of the Oral Pathology chapter at StudentRDH, so if you want to jump to studying, go ahead! Study while your brain is curious. (NOTE: this requires a full membership)
BONUS! StudentRDH made a quick 5-minute video explaining “why mucocele/ranula form and how they are different” available on our YouTube Channel. Please share it with your friends, so everyone can score well on questions related to this topic! And if you are taking the CSCE Dental Hygiene Board Exams, pay attention x 100,000! In case you are interested in discovering what StudentRDH provides as CSCE review, click here. Amber, a StudentRDH user, posted on our Facebook page that “this one is by far the best.” But now, it is your turn to be successful!
If there is a topic you would like to see on the StudentRDH YouTube channel, please email me at clairej@studentrdh.com! Have another great week and #hustle in #dhschool!
Related post: Xerostomia
(Disclaimer: StudentRDH is NOT affiliated with the NBDHE, NDHCE, CSCE, CDCA, WREB.)
