Pathology · single question
A fluctuant, bluish mass on the lower lip of a patient is MOST likely:
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Correct answer: C. Mucocele
- A. A fibroma is firm and sessile, not fluctuant or blue.
- B. Ranula occurs on the floor of the mouth (sublingual gland), not the lower lip.
- C. Correct. A mucocele on the lower lip results from rupture of a minor salivary gland duct (most commonly after lip biting), causing mucin extravasation into surrounding tissue. It appears as a bluish, fluctuant, soft swelling typically on the lower lip.
- D. A lipoma is soft, yellow, and non-translucent; it is rare in the oral cavity and not typically blue.