Surgical Management of a Mucocele of the Lower Lip: Case Report

Resumo

The mucocele is a benign pseudocystic lesion of the minor salivary glands, generally associated with mucus leakage resulting from local trauma; the lower lip is the most commonly affected site. The aim of this study is to report a clinical case of a mucocele of the lower lip treated by surgical excision, emphasizing its clinical and histopathological features. A 21-year-old male patient presented with an asymptomatic mass on the mucosa of his right lower lip that had been present for approximately five months. During the medical history, he reported a previous episode of accidental biting in the region, suggesting a possible etiological factor for the development of the lesion. On clinical examination, a single, sessile, well-defined nodular lesion with a fluctuant consistency was observed, consistent with the diagnostic hypothesis of a mucocele. Due to the persistence of the lesion, surgical excision was performed, along with removal of the adjacent minor salivary glands. The excised tissue was sent for histopathological analysis, which confirmed the diagnosis of a mucocele caused by mucus extravasation. The postoperative course was uneventful, with satisfactory recovery and no signs of recurrence. It is concluded that surgical excision combined with the removal of the involved minor salivary glands constitutes a safe and effective approach for the treatment of mucocele of the lower lip, providing adequate tissue repair and reducing the risk of recurrence.