Doctors Note Logo

Back

Published on: 3/5/2025

Why Do I Have a Big Bump on My Lip?

A big bump on your lip could be a mucocele (salivary gland cyst), a benign tumor, or another type of oral lesion.

answer background

Explanation

There are several possible reasons for a large bump on your lip:

  • Mucocele: This is one of the most common causes of lip swelling. Mucoceles are cysts that form when a salivary gland becomes blocked or damaged, causing saliva to collect under the tissue. They typically appear as soft, painless, bluish or clear bumps and can range in size. These often develop after accidentally biting your lip or other minor trauma.
  • Benign Tumors: Various types of benign (non-cancerous) growths can develop on the lips. These include fibromas, papillomas, and hemangiomas, among others. They usually grow slowly and don't spread to other parts of the body.
  • Cysts: Different types of cysts can form in the lip tissue, including epidermoid or dermoid cysts. These are typically painless unless infected.
  • Inflammatory Reactions: Swelling can occur in response to allergies, infections, or irritation from certain foods, dental products, or cosmetics.

The location (upper or lower lip), appearance, texture, and whether the bump is painful can help determine its cause. If you have a persistent or concerning bump on your lip, it's best to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

(References)

  • More CB, Bhavsar K, Varma S, Tailor M. Oral mucocele: A clinical and histopathological study. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2014 Sep;18(Suppl 1):S72-7. doi: 10.4103/0973-029X.141370. PMID: 25364184; PMCID: PMC4211243.

  • Vasconcelos ACU, Loyola AM, Gomes APN, de Araújo VC, Tarquínio SBC, Silveira FM, de Aguiar MCF. A symptomatic swelling of the upper lip. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2018 Feb;125(2):107-111. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2017.10.012. Epub 2017 Nov 17. PMID: 29248422.

  • Bhandarkar GP, Shetty KV. Differential diagnoses of elevated lesions of the upper lip: An overview. J Cancer Res Ther. 2017 Apr-Jun;13(2):170-174. doi: 10.4103/0973-1482.204890. PMID: 28643729.

  • Kannan N, Ramalingam K, Kizhakkoottu S, Ramani P. The Diagnostic Considerations and Clinical Management of Lower Lip Swellings in Adolescents: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2024 Oct 17;16(10):e71707.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about symptoms

Bump on lip

Not sure about the cause of your current symptoms?

AI Symptom Check

Try our AI-based symptom check

With an easy 3-min questionnaire, you can get an free AI-powered report on possible causes


Tips to try:

  • Provide specific, detailed info about all symptoms you have.
  • Give accurate information about yourself including current conditions.
  • Answer all follow-up questions

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes, and the provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical practice. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.