Published on: 3/17/2025
What Could Cause a Big White Bump on My Lip?
A big white bump on your lip might be a mucocele. It’s important to watch for changes or discomfort and get evaluated by a healthcare professional if you’re concerned.
Explanation
Large white bumps on the lip are typically mucoceles. These fluid-filled swellings occur when a minor salivary gland becomes blocked or damaged, often due to trauma like accidentally biting your lip. Mucoceles typically appear as soft, painless, bluish or clear dome-shaped bumps that can range from a few millimeters to a centimeter in size. While they sometimes resolve on their own, persistent mucoceles may need to be removed by a healthcare provider.
Other common causes of smaller white bumps or ulcers on the lips include:
- Canker sores (aphthous ulcers)
- Milia cysts
- Fordyce spots
Each of these is generally harmless. However, if the bump changes in size, causes pain, or does not go away on its own, it’s a good idea to get it checked by a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation.
(References)
- InformedHealth.org](http://informedhealth.org/) [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Canker sores (mouth ulcers) [Updated 2022 Oct 17]. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546250/
- Updated 2023 Jan 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560481/
- Updated 2024 Jan 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK570596/
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
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
Not sure about the cause of your current symptoms?
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.