Can a mucocele be removed when it's dormant?
I bit my lip really hard about a month ago and ended up with a mucocele about the size of a pea, it had a cycle where it would grow and get quite large and even a little sore, then after a day or two it would burst and be completely flat and fine for a few days, then start to grow again, then burst, etc. This has happened 4 or 5 times and was really annoying so I have made an appointment to have it removed later this week.
But, typically, since the last time it burst, 5 days ago, it hasn't grown back at all and I'm wondering if it's gone for good? It's just a tiny white circle on my lip now.
I'm wondering if I should cancel my appointment, I have visions of my dentist laughing at me and calling me a hypochondriac, or if I should go ahead with it. It was really annoying so I would be happy for him to go ahead if he can, but can a mucocele be removed when it's in its "dormant" stage and this tiny? I would be really annoyed if I cancelled the appointment only to have it come back again a few days later, which knowing me is exactly what would happen...!
What most surgeons do...or what my surgeon did was remove the mucocele, plus the affected salivary gland. So if the mucocele is not there...I think it would be difficult for the surgeon to know which salivary gland is involved. I suggest you keep your appointment. Because a doctor's advice is way better than mine.
I wouldn't recommend the surgery because there are a couple of adverse effects (nerve damage being the most common). I actually suffer from swelling, discoloration of the lip, and nerve damage. But I've noticed that a lot of people have had better luck with the laser removal. Just make sure you discuss every option with your doctor.
I wish you the best!
