Treatment of Labial Mucocele by Intralesional Injection of Dexamethasone

Method: We injected 1ml of 8mg/ml dexamethasone by insulin needles into the base of lesions to prevent any leakage and less discomfort and pain. No local anesthesia was required. Each patient received three consecutive shots with one-week interval. We examined all patients on days 7, 14, and 21 to evaluate their response and giving the 2^nd and 3^rd injections. All patients were followed for a mean of 12.5 months (range 6–20 months) after their last injection. 

Result: Complete resolution of lesions was observed in four of nine patients, and marked reduction in three of them. No local scarring or deformity of the lower lip occurred in any of the patients. One patient reported local discomfort at the site of injection. 

Conclusion: In regard to cost effectiveness, dexamethasone injection therapy is economically and esthetically more advantageous than surgery, cryotherapy or laser ablation. It can be available in almost every medical or dental setting for a low price. Injection of dexamethasone is a simple, repeatable, cost effective and potentially curative method of treatment, and can be used as the first choice in the treatment of salivary mucocele. Since mucoceles are common salivary lesions seen in population injection of dexamethasone is a safe and easily accessible treatment prior to or as a substitute for surgery.