Where do ranulas typically occur?

Ranulas are typically mucous retention cysts that occur in the floor of the mouth. They arise from the sublingual salivary glands when there is a blockage or damage leading to the accumulation of saliva. This accumulation can form a fluctuant, blue-tinted swelling, characteristic of ranulas. The location is significant as the floor of the mouth has the necessary salivary glands that, when obstructed, can lead to the formation of these cysts.

In contrast, other areas such as the cheek (the buccal mucosa), hard palate, or gums are not common sites for ranula formation. While cysts and other lesions might occur in those regions for different reasons, ranulas are specifically associated with the sublingual area due to the presence of the underlying glands.