Clinical and histological observations of 17 cases of plunging ranula were reported.
1) There were 7 male and 10 female patients. The youngest patient was 0 year old, and the oldest was 44. Most of the cases occurred in the patients below the age of 20.
2) In this series of 17 cases, plunging ranulas were classified into five types based upon the extensive pattern into the cervical regions. type I:7 cases. type II: 3 cases. type III: 3 cases. type IV: 1 case. type V: 3 cases.
3) Extription of the sublingual gland is the logical approach to obtain a definite cure.
4) Most plunging ranula are due to the extravasation of mucous from the sublingual gland. But congenital plunging ranula may be due to the retention of the mucous from the sublingual or submandibular gland.
