These are often the first warning signs of a salivary ranula — and many people ignore them at first.
A salivary ranula is a mucus-filled cyst that forms on the floor of the mouth when a salivary gland duct, usually the sublingual gland, becomes blocked or damaged. It’s uncommon, often painless early on, and that’s exactly why it can go unnoticed for weeks or even months.
One of the earliest symptoms is a soft, bluish or translucent swelling under the tongue. Many people mistake it for a minor mouth irritation or a bite injury. It may feel smooth, slightly raised, and fluid-like when touched.
Another early sign is a feeling of fullness or pressure in the mouth, especially when speaking or chewing. As saliva continues to build up behind the blocked duct, the swelling can slowly increase in size.
Some people notice difficulty moving the tongue, mild speech changes, or discomfort while eating. Pain is not common at first, but as the ranula grows, it can begin to interfere with normal mouth function.
In more advanced cases, a condition called a plunging ranula can develop. This happens when the mucus escapes into the neck tissues, causing visible swelling in the neck or under the jaw, sometimes without much mouth discomfort at all — which makes diagnosis even trickier.
Occasionally, symptoms may include
• Trouble swallowing
• Recurrent swelling that changes in size
• A sensation of something “floating” under the tongue
Doctors stress that a ranula is not cancerous, but it should never be ignored. If left untreated, it can grow large, become infected, or significantly affect speech and eating.
Diagnosis is usually straightforward through a physical exam, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. Treatment depends on size and type and may include drainage, marsupialization, or surgical removal of the affected salivary gland to prevent recurrence.
The key takeaway is simple but important:
If you notice a persistent, painless swelling under your tongue or unexplained neck swelling, don’t wait. Early evaluation makes treatment easier and prevents complications.
Sometimes the quietest symptoms are the ones your body is warning you not to ignore.
