What Causes Ranula

What is ranula? Ranulas are clear or bluish cysts caused by a blocked salivary gland in the mouth. These slow-growing benign growths are found on the floor of the mouth and can vary in size. Some cysts remain small, whereas others enlarge and cause problems.

What is a ranula and how is it caused?

If one of the salivary glands, usually the sublingual gland, is injured or diseased the saliva will no longer reach the mouth where it can be swallowed. The saliva leaks out of the injured gland and forms a bubble of fluid in the tissue around the gland which is called a ranula.

Is ranula serious?

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.