ABSTRACT
Ranulas are histologically benign lesions that present in the floor of the mouth. They arise from the sublingual salivary glands and have also been known as mucoceles, mucous extravasation cysts, and simple mucous retention cysts. Ranulas may be ‘simple’ or ‘plunging’, the latter being much more difficult to manage. Until the 1960s, little was written in medical literature about this entity. Early statements suggested that ranulas were found mainly in African tribes or dogs. The lack of knowledge of the pathophysiology led to varied recommendations for treatment (radiation, grommet
insertion, marsupialization, and total excision), which resulted in a high incidence of recurrence and high morbidity. Since the sublingual gland has been recognized as the site of origin, treatment has been much more successful.
