Plunging Ranula Causing Airway Compromise in a Child: A Rare Case

Abstract

A plunging ranula is a rare cause of neck swelling. Typically, ranula presents with a gradual course and rarely causes acute respiratory impairment. We report the case of a 10-year-old Malay girl who presented with a rapidly enlarging right-sided neck swelling with symptom of upper airway obstruction for one day. Examination revealed submandibular and submental swelling on the right side and elevation of the floor of the mouth with medialization of the right pharyngeal wall. Computed tomography scan of the neck revealed a ranula lesion. The patient underwent marsupialization followed by external excision of the ranula. A plunging ranula is rare in children and is always misdiagnosed. Surgical excision is a treatment of choice with a low recurrence rate.