A Case of Bilateral Plunging Ranula

Abstract

A plunging ranula is a pseudocyst in the neck that originates from the sublingual gland in the process of mucus extravasation and herniation. It has been widely suggested that the cause of a plunging ranula is due to a congenital predisposition involving the dehiscence of the mylohyoid muscle, racial predisposition and previous oral trauma. Even though unilateral plunging ranula is rare, and bilateral plunging ranulas are even more rare. We recently experienced a case of bilateral plunging ranula in a 27-year-old male. He presented with a right-sided submandibular swelling and was diagnosed with a plunging ranula and right ranula excision and sublingual gland excision was performed. He visited the outpatient department with contralateral submandibular swelling after 18 months of operation. Under the diagnosis of left plunging ranula, he underwent surgery in the same way as before. We suggest that all patients with a unilateral plunging ranula, although rare, should be considered for the possibility of developing contralateral diseases.