{Reference Type}: Journal Article {Title}: Waiting for self-healing as a primary management strategy for lower lip mucoceles. {Author}: Liu JL;Liu YN;Wang L;Wang DC; {Journal}: Clin Oral Investig {Volume}: 28 {Issue}: 7 {Year}: 2024 Jun 8 {Factor}: 3.606 {DOI}: 10.1007/s00784-024-05766-4 {Abstract}: OBJECTIVE: Oral mucoceles are most frequently encountered on the lower lip. A variety of treatment options are currently employed, including surgical excision, pharmacological injections, and laser therapy. However, each of these approaches may introduce risks and potential complications. Clinical practice has demonstrated a potential for self-healing in lower lip mucoceles, making a conservative observational approach more appealing. This research is a prospective study aimed at evaluating the self-healing capacity of lower lip mucoceles.
METHODS: In this prospective study, patients with mucoceles were encouraged to intentionally delay medical intervention and to wait for self-healing. Disappearance of the mucocele for at least 3 months was defined as self-healing.
RESULTS: Thirty patients with lower lip mucoceles were included. With no intervention, 24 patients (80%) reported self-healing of lower lip mucoceles. The mean natural duration of the mucoceles was 3.63 (± 4.7; 1-24) months. After self-healing of the mucocele, the patients were followed up for 17.21 (± 9.45; 2-30) months and there were no reported recurrences.
CONCLUSIONS: Lower lip mucoceles have a high potential for self-healing and patients may be routinely encouraged to wait for self-healing.
CONCLUSIONS: The high self-healing rate observed in this study suggests that a conservative, non-interventional approach might be considered as the first-line management for lower lip mucoceles.