Is a ranula serious?

Donna Hill Howes, RN

Family Practitioner

Ranulas do require treatment, but they are not serious in that they are not life threatening and do not typically cause pain. A ranula, if large enough, can lift the tongue and impair chewing, eating, and swallowing. However, a ranula responds well to treatment either by draining the cyst or having it surgically removed.

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Ranula typically are blue-colored and swollen masses found beneath the tongue. They are smooth and m...

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Ranula Of The Tongue

A ranula, or mouth cyst, is indicated by blue swelling under the tongue; it's caused by obstruction of salivary glands. In most cases mouth cysts are painless, but the mass may be large enough to interfere with eating, chewing and swallowing. Treatment options for a ranula include draining the cyst, removing the cyst, or removing the cyst and the blocked gland. Your doctor may prefer surgical treatment, as surgery will prevent recurrence. Learn more about treating ranulas with expert advice from Sharecare.

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Is a ranula serious?

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