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Your 11 year old have a bump that looks like an abscess under her tongue on the floor of mouth what is that?

A ranula is a painless, bluish swelling under the tongue that is caused by a blocked salivary gland. It is most common in children and young adults.

Ranulas are usually not serious, but they can sometimes be uncomfortable or cause difficulty eating or speaking. If the ranula is large, it may need to be surgically removed.

Causes

Ranulas are caused by a blocked salivary gland. The salivary glands produce saliva, which helps to keep the mouth moist and aids in digestion. When a salivary gland is blocked, saliva can build up and cause a swelling.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of a ranula is a painless, bluish swelling under the tongue. The swelling may be firm or fluctuant (filled with fluid). Other symptoms of a ranula can include:

* Difficulty eating or speaking

* Drooling

* Bad breath

* Pain in the jaw or neck

Diagnosis

Ranulas are usually diagnosed based on their appearance. However, your doctor may order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Most ranulas do not require treatment. However, if the ranula is large, it may need to be surgically removed. Surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis and takes about 30 minutes.

Complications

Ranulas can sometimes cause complications, such as:

* Infection

* Scarring

* Damage to the salivary glands