Sometimes on the soft tissues of the oral cavity you can find rounded formations of small size. Among all abnormalities of the mucosa, the retention cyst of the lower lip is considered the most common. It usually appears as a “ball” that protrudes slightly. Despite the benign nature, such a cyst can bring significant discomfort.
general information
Retention cyst of the lower lip is a common pathology of the oral mucosa. It is a neoplasm of a benign nature in the form of a ball. Pathology usually develops due to obstruction of the duct of the small salivary gland. The reason for this may be the most common trauma or inflammatory process.
A cyst is equally found in both women and men. Her appearance does not depend on age. The cyst is characterized by the ability to very quickly increase in size, which affects the daily lifestyle of a person. That is why doctors recommend removing it.
The main causes of cysts
A neoplasm is most often formed due to mechanical damage and lip injury. These include burns, bumps and biting. As a result of constant injury to the gland, the excretory canal becomes clogged, the secret begins to linger, and a small tubercle forms. Gradually, it becomes filled with liquid and increases in size.
The inflammatory process after injury can also lead to the formation of pathology. Retention cyst of the lower lip can occur in a person at any age. The neoplasm is often the result of the congenital development of the germinal components of the so-called glandular cells.
In addition to traumatic effects, the cause of cysts can be atrophy of the excretory ducts. Typically, such a violation is caused by a tumor that directly compresses the duct, or scar. The latter narrows the canal, and the accumulated secret gradually expands the glandular lobe.
How to recognize a pathology?
The retention cyst of the lower lip is a capsule of connective tissue with viscous contents inside. Outwardly, it resembles a small ball. Education is painless, but can be uncomfortable while talking or eating. The cyst is prone to rapid growth and can reach up to 2 cm in diameter. The mucous membrane above it usually does not undergo significant changes. Sometimes it acquires a bluish tint, due to the accumulation of content.
A ball covers the connective tissue, and inside it is a clear liquid resembling saliva. On palpation, the formation is soft. When eating, the capsule is easily damaged, because of which its internal contents are poured out, but after the cyst is filled again. As a rule, the formation consists of one camera, but there are cases of multi-chamber cysts.
Confirmation of diagnosis
It is not difficult for a qualified specialist to recognize a retention cyst. When pressed with a finger, the formation disappears, but after a while it appears again. A more accurate diagnosis can be made after an ultrasound scan. During the procedure, the doctor evaluates the structure of the cyst, its size and contents. By sensing the channels, the width of the duct and the presence of salivary stone are determined. Only after a full examination can a specialist recommend treatment for a lower lip retention cyst.
The need for differential diagnosis
In order to accurately diagnose and subsequently prescribe competent treatment, it is important to be able to recognize this pathology among other neoplasms of a benign nature. The following types of salivary gland cysts are distinguished:
- wounded;
- submandibular;
- parotid;
- small salivary gland.
The wound is localized above the hyoid-maxillary muscle. Cases of penetration into the submandibular region are known. This education is large in size. It can displace the frenum of the tongue, thereby preventing a person from fully eating and talking.
The submandibular cyst is characterized by slow development. During palpation, it is easy to detect a rounded formation. When this cyst grows, it can cover the upper areas of the oral cavity. In such a situation, a swelling of the formation in the sublingual part is usually observed.
Pathology of the parotid gland is quite rare. The main causes of its formation include mechanical damage, inflammatory processes and obstruction of the ducts. It is these same factors that provoke the formation of another abnormality of the oral cavity called retention cyst of the lower lip (photo is presented in this article). The development of pathology at the initial stage is not accompanied by pronounced symptoms.
As a result of mechanical damage, the so-called extravasal cyst can form. This formation is characterized in that granulation tissue is formed around it.
What treatment is required?
The dentist is engaged in the treatment of this pathology. After confirming the diagnosis, there are two possible solutions to the problem. A specialist can send the patient home, believing that the education will resolve itself. The second option involves surgical removal of the lower lip retention cyst.
The operation itself lasts no more than 30 minutes and involves the use of local anesthesia. The doctor’s assistant twists the lower lip and holds it tight. The dentist makes several cuts along the formation, releases the cyst from its internal contents and sutures. According to many patients, the operation itself, under the supervision of an experienced surgeon, is almost painless. The main troubles begin during the rehabilitation period, when the retention cyst of the lower lip is already beginning to heal.
The operation can be carried out using a laser. However, they rarely resort to his help because of severe bleeding and a high risk of perforation of the gland shell.
Postoperative period
After surgery, patients are advised to daily treat the affected area with a special antiseptic solution and monitor their condition. Some note that the first day after surgery is the hardest. Talking, eating - all these simple actions cause painful discomfort, but after about a month everything returns to normal.
It should be noted that the duration of the rehabilitation period directly depends on the size of the education. Many patients talk about visual lip contraction and slight numbness even months after surgery. In order to avoid negative consequences, it is recommended to remove the pathology at the initial stage of its formation.
Retention cyst of the lower lip: treatment with folk remedies
Many patients who have had to deal with this pathology are afraid of surgery. That is why they choose alternative solutions to combat this problem. Most believe that in the treatment of neoplasms should turn to alternative medicine. Healers to reduce the size of cysts suggest using various lotions with decoctions of herbs.
The most effective in this matter is recognized Kalanchoe juice. The plant should be chewed carefully and left for some time in the mouth so that its juice falls on the cyst. Aloe is used in the same way. This plant has established itself as an excellent anti-inflammatory and wound healing agent.
You can prepare another healing solution. It is necessary to mix 70 g of vodka with 10 g of ficus juice. The resulting solution should be refrigerated for three days. Then the mixture must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 3. A cotton pad is moistened in this solution and applied to the affected area for about 10 minutes.
The question of whether such treatment is really effective remains an open question. Of course, before resorting to alternative therapy, you should consult a doctor. It often happens that after treatment with lotions, the patient nevertheless returns to the dentist’s office, where the cyst is surgically removed. With confidence, only one thing can be said: the larger the neoplasm, the less time the patient has to experiment with their own health.
Conclusion
In this article, we described what a retention cyst of the lower lip is. The medical history of many patients makes us reconsider the approach to this problem. Many do not pay attention to this pathology, delaying every time a visit to the doctor. In fact, such neglect of one's own health can adversely affect the course of the disease. The larger the cyst in size, the more difficult it is to remove it surgically without serious consequences. That is why, when primary signs appear that indicate the formation of a neoplasm on the lip, you should seek help from a doctor. Be healthy!