Plunging ranula with prestyloid parapharyngeal space, masticator space, and parotid gland extension.

UNLABELLED: Plunging ranula with prestyloid parapharyngeal space, masticator space, and parotid gland extension.

INTRODUCTION

Ranulas develop from mucous extravasation secondary to sublingual gland duct obstruction or trauma. Plunging ranula usually dive into the submandibular space.

METHODS

This is the first reported case of a plunging ranula with direct extension to the prestyloid parapharyngeal space, masticator space, and parotid gland with avoidance of the submandibular space.

RESULTS

The patient presented with a tender parotid mass, of which the differential is broad, including parotitis, parotid malignancy, metastatic malignancy, lymphoma, as well as other infectious etiologies. When an intraoral component is not identified, other differential considerations would be thyroglossal duct cyst, branchial cleft cyst, parathyroid cyst, cervical thymic cyst, dermoid cyst, cystic hygroma, or benign teratoma.

CONCLUSION

The case is unique due to ranula extension into multiple spaces. For optimal treatment, the sublingual gland along with its tract and contents needs to completely removed.