Mucoceles not - Oral cysticercosis and minor salivary gland adenocarcinoma: two case reports.

A mucocele is one of the more commonly encountered disorders of the oral mucosa. It develops when a minor salivary duct is injured or blocked, resulting i n the escape of mucus into the adjacent submucosal connective tissue. We present two cases that were clinically diagnosed as mucoceles that were removed because of patient anxiety. However, histological examination revealed dissimilar and medically significant pathologies. Oral cysticercosis and salivary gland adenocarcinoma are rare diseases of the oral mucosa. It is important to consider these and other uncommon diagnoses when evaluating an oral nodule presumed to be a mucocele. We will discuss the natural history and pathogenesis of these disease processes.