Plunging or cervical ranula. Review of the literature and report of 4 cases.

A review of the literature pertaining to plunging ranula is presented with special emphasis on the historical development of the various aetiological theories and treatment recommendations. Also 4 cases of plunging ranula are presented; three were treated by extirpation of the sublingual gland and one was treated by exteriorization of the ranula into the oral cavity. The treatment methods used here are discussed in relationship to the accepted aetiological theory.