Head and Neck Imaging

Ranula

epithelial-lined cyst in the sublingual space, originating from the sublingual salivary gland and caused by obstruction of its duct(s). It is a mucous retention cyst. If limited to the floor of the mouth, superior to the mylohyoid muscle, it is called a simple ranula (Fig.1). After rupture, a ranula may dissect through the mylohyoid muscle, appearing in the submandibular space; it is then called a plunging ranula. A plunging ranula is not a true cyst, but rather a pseudocyst lined by connective tissue or granulation tissue. The imaging diagnosis of a plunging ranula is made by demonstrating the connection with the sublingual space (Fig.2).

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Fig.1

Axial contrast-enhanced CT image. Cystic lesion in left sublingual space (arrow). Simple ranula.
Ranula, Fig.1
Ranula, Fig.2