Medication Summary

Local injection of corticosteroids has been used for treating mucoceles (mucous cysts), and some authors consider it a first-line therapy^[36]; however, a high frequency of recurrence has been reported with this treatment.

Class Summary

These agents have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. They modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli.

Triamcinolone (Aristocort)

View full drug information

Triamcinolone is used for inflammatory dermatoses responsive to steroids. It decreases inflammation by suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing capillary permeability. Intramuscular injection may be used for widespread skin disorders, or intralesional injections may be used for localized skin disorders.

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Media Gallery

The submucosa shows a mucus-filled, cystlike cavity below the squamous mucosa. Minor salivary gland lobules are present in the submucosa.
The wall of the lesion is usually formed by connective tissue, inflammatory cells, foamy macrophages (lower left corner), and salivary gland acini (upper right corner).

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Author

Christopher R Shea, MD Eugene J Van Scott Professor in Dermatology, Chief, Section of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, The Pritzker School of Medicine

Christopher R Shea, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, Arthur Purdy Stout Society, Association of Professors of Dermatology, Chicago Dermatological Society, Dermatology Foundation, Illinois Dermatological Society, International Society of Dermatopathology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Richard P Vinson, MD Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Mountain View Dermatology, PA

Richard P Vinson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Texas Medical Association, Association of Military Dermatologists, Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Warren R Heymann, MD Head, Division of Dermatology, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Warren R Heymann, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

William D James, MD Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, Vice-Chairman, Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Elsevier; WebMD<br/>Served as a speaker for various universities, dermatology societies, and dermatology departments.

Additional Contributors

David P Fivenson, MD Associate Director, St Joseph Mercy Hospital Dermatology Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan

David P Fivenson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Michigan State Medical Society, Society for Investigative Dermatology, Photomedicine Society, Wound Healing Society, Michigan Dermatological Society, Medical Dermatology Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Markus D Boos, MD, PhD Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine

Markus D Boos, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Pediatrics

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

The authors and editors of Medscape Reference gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous author, M. Angelica Selim, MD, to the development and writing of this article.