Saudi Journal of Medicine (SJM)
Volume-4 | Issue-03 | 189-192
Case Report
Application of Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Management of Ranula
Shaan-e-Kareemi, Neelkanth M. Warad, Tousif Mullah, Muhammed Yaseen, Ashwin Hiremath, Tahura Killedar
Published : March 25, 2019
Abstract
Ranula presents clinically as a painless mucus pseudocyst in the floor of the mouth. They typically grow slowly and may be reported as a cycle of rupture and recurrence. Simple ranulas are mucus walled off above the mylohyoid muscle. Complex or plunging ranulas develop when the mucus extravasation extends through or around the mylohyoid muscle and deeper into the neck. Various treatment modalities have been advocated based on the size and location of the ranula. Deep plunging ranulas can be managed by surgical enucleation of the ranula along with the associated salivary gland or marsupialization whereas simple superficial ranulas can be managed by surgical enucleation or less invasive procedures. Ever since the first therapeutic use by Scott for strabismus till today, the spectrum of therapeutic applications of botulinum toxin has widened. Botulinum toxin offers a transient, reversible, relatively safe treatment option to many conditions of interest in the maxillofacial region. It can be used effectively as well as efficiently as a minimally invasive alternative to conditions which are refractory to routine medical management or require extensive surgical intervention. We present a case of a simple ranula in the floor of the mouth treated by Botulinum toxin efficiently in a non-invasive manner.