What does a mucocele primarily consist of?

A mucocele primarily consists of salivary fluid, which is secreted from the salivary glands. This occurs when a salivary duct becomes obstructed or damaged, leading to the accumulation of mucous or saliva in the surrounding tissue. The resulting lesion appears as a cystic swelling and is typically seen in areas such as the lip, floor of the mouth, or under the tongue. The accumulation of this fluid is essentially the body’s reaction to the blockage, creating a space filled with saliva and mucous, which gives it the characteristic appearance of a mucocele.

In contrast, other substances listed do not comprise a mucocele. For example, pus is indicative of infection and inflammation, while blood suggests hemorrhage, and keratin debris relates more to lesions like cysts that involve skin or epithelial structures, not salivary gland obstruction. Therefore, understanding that a mucocele is a benign accumulation of salivary fluid is key to properly identifying and diagnosing this common oral pathology.