title: Ductal variation of the sublingual gland: a predisposing factor for ranula formation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate ranula development according to anatomic variation of the sublingual gland (SLG).
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a prospective, consecutive case series considering other clinical conditions. Twenty-five cases treated by SLG excision were enrolled in this study. The ductal structures of the SLGs of another 11 patients undergoing similar surgeries for other conditions were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 19 of a total of 25 ranulas (76.0%) and 16 of 18 oral nonplunging ranulas (88.9%), the SLG showed an anatomic variation of the main duct called Bartholin's duct structure. Meanwhile, only 3 of 7 plunging ranulas (42.9%) had Bartholin's ducts. Bartholin's duct structure of the SLG was not found in the 11 control cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Anatomic variation of the ductal system of the SLG might be a possible cause of ranulas. Surgical resection of the SLG is a better treatment choice for ranulas than other, more conservative treatments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Boramae Hospital.
authors.forename: Sue Jean
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Mun
authors.forename: Hyo Geun
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Heejin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Joo Hyun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Young Ho
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Myung-Whun
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Sung
authors.forename: Kwang Hyun
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011900:Ranula / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D018987:Salivary Ducts / Q000002:abnormalities*; D013361:Sublingual Gland / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Bartholin's duct; anatomic variation; ranula; salivary ducts; sublingual gland