laser therapy
Diode Laser-Assisted Abscission and Low-Level Laser Therapy for Treatment of Mucocele Literature Update and Case Report Divya Khanna, B.D.S., M.D.S.; Nikita Dhingra, B.D.S., M.D.S.; Rohit Yadav, B.D.S., M.D.S.
ABSTRACT Mucoceles are quotidian, benign minor salivary gland lesions of the oral mucosa. They result from the accumulation of mucous secretion due to trauma or alteration of minor salivary glands. Clinically, they are characterized by bluish, domeshaped, soft and fluctuant physiognomy, with most frequent occurrence reported on the lower lip. Based on the histological features, they are of two varieties: mucous extravasation and retention cysts. Various treatment modalities, including surgery, laser ablation, electrosurgery, marsupialization, cryosurgery, intra-lesional injections and corticosteroids, have been reported in literature. In the case presented here, a mucosal preservation technique was used in conjunction with an 810nm diode laser for excision, followed by irradiation by low-level laser therapy to improve patient comfort and lead to accelerated and favorable wound healing. An excellent result with no relapse was reported in a 15-month follow-up. 18
APRIL 2022
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The New York State Dental Journal
Tumors of the salivary glands constitute a heterogeneous group of lesions of great morphologic disparity and variation that are difficult to classify. Mucoceles are non-neoplastic, painless, benign cystic swellings; they are the second most common lesions in the oral cavity.[1] The term mucocele was derived from the Latin words mucus and coele, or cavity.[2] Hence, they can be described as mucous-filled cavities, usually present in the oral cavity, lacrimal sac, paranasal sinuses, gall bladder and appendix.[3] Mucoceles have equal predilection for males and females, and their incidence rate is reported to be higher among people 10 to 29 years of age.[4] The lower lip is the most common site of occurrence, with other sites, such as the buccal mucosa, the anterior ventral region of the tongue, floor of the mouth—where it is called a ranula—and in other minor salivary glands such as Blandin-Nuhn, are also reported in the literature.[5] When the lower lip is involved, it affects mainly the canine area, as it is most susceptible to trauma.[1] Pseudocystic mucoceles, regardless of their location, present as well-defined, fluctuant, soft, dome-shaped, solitary swellings, with a smooth surface ranging from a pink to bluish, translucent hue. The variation in color depends on the size of the lesion, its proximity to the surface and elasticity of the overlying tissue. The bluish hue is due to tissue cyanosis and vascular congestion associated with the stretched overlying tissue and the translucent characteristics of the accumulated fluid beneath.[6] This can range from 1 mm to several centimeters in size.
