Cryosurgery in the management of mucoceles in children.

The retention of mucous secretions in subepithelial tissue is called a mucous retention phenomenon, which has been subdivided into two types. The first type, the mucous extravasation cyst, lacks an epithelial lining and arises from mucus pooling into the surrounding connective tissue from a torn main duct of a minor salivary gland.' A second type, the mucous retention cyst, is lined by ductal epithelium and results from the accumulation of mucus in an obstructed and dilated excretory duct. The mucous extravasation cyst is more common" and occurs most frequently on the lower lip.'This possibly relates to a higher incidence of mechanical trauma to the salivary duct, such as from biting,' although the lesion also can occur on the floor of the mouth, cheek, upper lip, tongue, retromolar fossa, and junction of the hard and soft palate. It presents as an asymptomatic, fluctuant, bluish-gray swelling, usually less than 1 cm in diameter. Enlargement coincident with meals is an occasional finding. The reported duration of the lesion can vary from a few days to several years, and many patients relate a history of recurrent swelling with periodic rupture and release of fluid. Children and young adults are most frequently affected. Surgical excision is the most frequently recommended treatment for these lesions, but the trauma of this procedure may itself cause recurrence.' This paper describes the use of cryosurgery to treat mucoceles in six children. Indications