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Glite Dictionary
mucocele

mucocele

9.9
A lump filled with thick mucus that forms in a gland, duct, or sinus
  • noun
  • /ˈmjuːkəˌsiːl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mucocele
  • The doctor explained that a mucocele might require surgical removal if it obstructs airflow.
  • frontal mucocele

Examples

  • L: References (n1.) Montgomery WW. Mucocele of the maxillary sinus causing enophthalmos.

    Academic text (2008)

  • The patient presented no evidence of sinusitis, cyst, or mucocele involving the frontal sinuses.

    Academic text (2005)

  • In addition, one case report of unilateral inferior turbinate mucocele has been published.

    Academic text (2003)

  • The differential diagnosis for this lesion included a mucocele of the left middle turbinate.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Benedikt et al. proposed spontaneous drainage of a frontal mucocele as a pathogenic mechanism.

    Academic text (2005)

  • Continued growth may completely obstruct the sinus ostia or nasal cavity and lead to sinusitis or the formation of a mucocele.

    Academic text (2010)

  • Long-term complications resulting from an obstructed outflow tract have been described, including mucocele, mucopyocele, meningitis, osteomyelitis, and brain abscess.

    Academic text (2009)

  • A mucocele can develop in the sinuses and cause discomfort from the buildup of mucus.

  • She was diagnosed with a mucocele after experiencing swelling in her jaw area.

Synonyms

cyst
vsmucocele
30 4.9

A small sac in the body often filled with fluid

is a specific swelling caused by mucus buildup in ducts or glands

How Severe

abscess
  • Specialized
23 7.5
cyst
30 4.9
mucocele
  • Specialized
9.9
lump
61 3.6
swelling
3 3.7

Surface Forms

mucocele singular
mucoceles plural

Morphology

mucocele = mucus (semi-transparent) = muco + cele

The element 'muco-' clearly signals mucus, but '-cele' is a specialized medical combining form for a swelling/herniation that is not familiar to average learners.

Etymology

Mucocele comes from mucus ('mucus') plus the Greek ending -cele ('swelling'). So it means a 'mucus swelling', which is why a mucocele is a small cyst where mucus has collected.