title: Plunging ranula.
abstract: Plunging ranulas are rare cystic masses in the neck that are mucous retention pseudocysts from an obstructed sublingual gland. They "plunge" by extending inferiorly beyond the free edge of the mylohyoid muscle, or through a dehiscence of the muscle itself, to enter the submandibular space. Imaging demonstrates a simple cystic lesion in the characteristic location and can be used to delineate relevant surgical anatomy. Surgical excision of the collection and the involved sublingual gland is performed for definitive treatment. We present a case of plunging ranula in a 44 year old female who presented with a painless, slowly enlarged neck mass. Plunging ranulas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic neck masses, specifically when seen extending over, or through, the mylohyoid muscle.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06520-8042, USA. Vivek.kalra@yale.edu
authors.forename: Vivek
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kalra
authors.forename: Khurram
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mirza
authors.forename: Ajay
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Malhotra
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D011900:Ranula / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013361:Sublingual Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed