WHAT IS A MUCOCELE?
A mucocele can be described as a painless cyst, which is usually seen on the inner side of a person’s lip. Also known as a mucous retention cyst, mucoceles are quite common, and fortunately, harmless. These cysts usually occur because of the accumulation of clear fluid on the surface of the inner lip. In several people, these cysts heal on their own, but a person may face the problem of recurrent mucoceles. If these cysts are recurrent, they have the ability to leave permanent scars on the area that they form on. Mucoceles are common in both men, as well as women, of all ages. Studies reveal that it is mostly the younger people, who are below the age group of 20, that are affected the most by this affliction. In people who are above the age of 30, the formation of the mucoceles is mainly superficial.
In general, a mucocele looks like a clear, bluish bubble, which has been filled with a liquid. Some of them may also seem to have a rubbery appearance. While they do not really hurt, they could cause a bit of discomfort, if any pressure is applied on them. Although these cysts are mainly harmless, they could interfere with usual mastication process, depending on their size and location. Though this is rare, in certain instances a few types of mucocele formations could lead to complications, which require medical assistance. Hence, in such instances, mucocele treatment may be required. However, in order to use the appropriate treatment for mucocele problems, it is important to identify the exact factors that could be causing them.