Turkish Journal of Pediatric Surgery

Oumarou Habou1, Hamissou Laouli Saadou2, Amadou Magagi1, Habibou Abarchi3

1Andre Salifou University, Surgery and Surgical Specialties, Zinder, Niger
2National Hospital of Zinder, Surgery and Surgical Specialties, Zinder, Niger
3Abdou Moumouni University, Surgery and Surgical Specialties, Niamey, Niger

Keywords: Children, congenital mucocele, glands of Blandin-Nuhn, Lingual cyst, Niger.

Abstract

Congenital mucocele of the tongue is an extremely rare benign condition affecting the minor salivary glands. A 22-day-old male neonate was admitted with congenital mucocele of the ventral aspect of the tongue. His clinical presentation included a swollen tongue since birth. It was a renitent, immobile mass, with no associated inflammatory signs, occupying the ventral surface of the tongue, preventing oral closure and impeding feeding. His physical examination revealed no other morphological abnormalities. Facial computed tomography in 2-mm thin sections without and after injection of contrast medium confirmed the liquid aspect of the mass, wellcircumscribed by a regular, thin clean wall which was enhanced after injection of contrast medium, without calcifications or partitioning. The diagnosis was compatible with a cystic lesion of the tongue, without being able to predict its etiology. Treatment consisted of complete removal of the cyst via the posterior surface of the tongue, with simple follow-up and no recurrence after 13 months. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of retentional mucocele. In conclusion, lingual mucocele is a benign tumor which may be responsible for swallowing and oral occlusion disorders; therefore, it requires prompt and appropriate diagnosis and management.

Citation: Habou O, Saadou HL, Magagi A, Abarchi H. Congenital mucocele of the ventral surface of the tongue: A case report. Turkish J Ped Surg 2025;39(x):i-iv. doi: 10.62114/JTAPS.2024.48.