Submandibular gland mucocele presenting as a lateral neck swelling

Mucus extravasation cysts or mucoceles are an extremely rare occurrence in the major salivary glands. We report upon an unusual case of a submandibular gland mucocele presenting as a neck lump. It should therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis of swellings in the lateral neck. Diagnosis and management are complicated by their similarity to the plunging or cervical ranula and differentiation may be potentially difficult. Detailed imaging often reveals the plunging ranula as being characterised by a so -called 'tail' sign. In our case this sign was absent and subsequent excision confirmed origin from the submandibular gland. We discuss potential treatment modalities and propose a rationale for definitive management.