MUCOCELE: A mucocele is a benign, mucus containing cystic lesion of a minor salivary gland. This type of lesion is most commonly referred to as mucocele. Types of mucocele:
- Mucus Extravasation Cyst-Extravasation mucocele results from a broken salivary gland duct and consequent spillage into the soft tissue around this gland.
- Mucus Retention Cyst- Retention mucocele appears due to decrease or absence of glandular secretion produced by blockage of salivary gland ducts.
- Clinical variants are superficial mucocele that is located in the upper submucosa and deep mucocele located in the lower cornium.
Mucocele occurs either due to rupture of a salivary gland duct or by blockage of salivary gland duct. The common site of occurrence of mucocele is lower lip followed by tongue , floor of mouth (ranula) and the buccal mucosa.
A Case of Mucocele
A young girl of 9 years old was brought to me by her mother on March ‘2017. For the last 6 months she has been suffering from mucocele on the lower lip and it didn’t reduce after allopathic medication. The doctor advised her to undergo the lip mucocele removal surgery. The mother stated, ”She is very sincere and manages her studies on her own; we parents don’t have to tell her to study. She is obedient and doing well at school. A sensitive girl, she doesn’t like to hurt others or be hurt by others. I asked the child to tell me what can I do for her . She didn’t reply, as she was timid and shy. By observation I found she is reserved in nature along with being timid. She appears sad, lean and thin. In the past she had frequent attacks of nasal catarrh, headache and anemia. She is thirsty and desire for salty food . Her mother told me she is a fearful girl who can’t stay alone.
OBJECTIVE FINDINGS – I examined her cyst on the lower lip and the area around the cyst. I observed that the cyst was soft, round and had a clear surface. There was no pain.
HOMEOPATHIC DIAGNOSIS – Based on physical and mental symptoms as stated by patient and her mother, I approached the analysis through totality of symptoms.
MENTALS – Reserved, sensitive, timid, shy . She doesn’t like to hurt others nor be hurt by others. Fear of being alone.
PHYSICALS GENERALS- Sad looking, lean, thin, thirsty, craves salty food.
PRESCRIPTION – Natrum Muriaticum 200 on March 7, 2017. After 15 days she was looking happy but there was no change in the cyst. Placebo was given and I asked her to return after one month. After one month: cyst reduced in size. Rx: placebo and return in one month. After one month – cyst disappeared completely.
Patient feeling better.
