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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Mucous Retention and Extravasation Cyst?

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Mucous retention and extravasation cysts are both types of cysts that originate from the salivary glands, but they have distinct characteristics:

Mucous Retention Cyst:

  • Forms due to the partial obstruction of a salivary duct, leading to the buildup of mucin within the duct or acinus.
  • The mucin is retained in the duct and/or acinus as a result of duct obstruction.
  • Less frequent, particularly in the elderly.

Extravasation Cyst:

  • Develops as a result of a traumatic defect or severance of a salivary duct, causing the escape of saliva into the surrounding tissue.
  • The mucin spills into the connective tissues from a ruptured or traumatized salivary gland.
  • The most common type of mucocele, more common in children and young adults, with a peak in the second decade of life.
  • The lower lip is the most commonly affected site, followed by the floor of the mouth and ventral tongue.

Both cysts are benign and can lead to infections if untreated. They can be diagnosed through scanning and physical examination. While mucous retention cysts facilitate the buildup of mucous in the cyst, extravasation cysts facilitate the spillage of mucous into the soft tissue.

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  • What is the Difference Between Mucous Retention and Extravasation Cyst?
  • Comparative Table: Mucous Retention vs Extravasation Cyst

    • Comparative Table: Mucous Retention vs Extravasation Cyst

    Here is a table summarizing the differences between mucous retention cysts and extravasation cysts:

    Feature Mucous Retention Cyst Extravasation Cyst
    Definition A cyst that facilitates the buildup of mucous in the cyst. A cyst that facilitates the spillage of mucous into the soft tissue.
    Location Mainly present in the mouth cavity, associated with the lower lip and salivary glands. More commonly observed than retention cysts, mainly present in the lower lip, floor of the mouth, and ventral tongue.
    Inflammatory Response Initiates an inflammatory response. Initiates a comparatively faster inflammatory response.
    Histopathology Lined by epithelium corresponding to the epithelium of the salivary gland. Pseudocysts, do not have an epithelial wall covering, and occur in three evolutionary phases.
    Age Range Common in children and young adults, with a peak in the second decade of life.

    Both mucous retention cysts and extravasation cysts are benign, non-cancerous lesions.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.