JOURNAL ARTICLE
Ductal variation of the sublingual gland: a predisposing factor for ranula formation.
Head & Neck 2014 April
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate ranula development according to anatomic variation of the sublingual gland (SLG).
METHODS: We conducted a prospective, consecutive case series considering other clinical conditions. Twenty-five cases treated by SLG excision were enrolled in this study. The ductal structures of the SLGs of another 11 patients undergoing similar surgeries for other conditions were compared.
RESULTS: In 19 of a total of 25 ranulas (76.0%) and 16 of 18 oral nonplunging ranulas (88.9%), the SLG showed an anatomic variation of the main duct called Bartholin's duct structure. Meanwhile, only 3 of 7 plunging ranulas (42.9%) had Bartholin's ducts. Bartholin's duct structure of the SLG was not found in the 11 control cases.
CONCLUSION: Anatomic variation of the ductal system of the SLG might be a possible cause of ranulas. Surgical resection of the SLG is a better treatment choice for ranulas than other, more conservative treatments.
METHODS: We conducted a prospective, consecutive case series considering other clinical conditions. Twenty-five cases treated by SLG excision were enrolled in this study. The ductal structures of the SLGs of another 11 patients undergoing similar surgeries for other conditions were compared.
RESULTS: In 19 of a total of 25 ranulas (76.0%) and 16 of 18 oral nonplunging ranulas (88.9%), the SLG showed an anatomic variation of the main duct called Bartholin's duct structure. Meanwhile, only 3 of 7 plunging ranulas (42.9%) had Bartholin's ducts. Bartholin's duct structure of the SLG was not found in the 11 control cases.
CONCLUSION: Anatomic variation of the ductal system of the SLG might be a possible cause of ranulas. Surgical resection of the SLG is a better treatment choice for ranulas than other, more conservative treatments.
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