What Could Cause a Bump on My Lip to Appear Out of Nowhere?

When a bump appears suddenly on your lip, several potential causes should be considered:

• Acne: Acne can develop quickly on or around the lips, just as it does elsewhere on the face. These red, sometimes painful bumps form when hair follicles become clogged with oil and bacteria.
• Mucocele: While mucoceles (fluid-filled cysts caused by blocked salivary glands) are common, not all lip swellings are mucoceles. They typically appear as painless, bluish or clear bumps that can develop rapidly after minor trauma to the lip.
• Hemangioma: These vascular growths can appear as bright red bumps on the lips. Senile hemangiomas (also called cherry angiomas) can develop at any age but become more common as we get older.
• Actinic Cheilitis: This condition, caused by sun damage, can lead to the development of scaly patches or bumps on the lips. While it typically develops over time, changes might seem to appear suddenly.
• Other Lip Lesions: Various other conditions, including cysts, fibroma, or even more serious conditions like squamous cell carcinoma, can cause bumps on the lips.

If you notice a new bump on your lip, especially one that persists, changes in appearance, bleeds, or causes pain, it's best to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.