Why Is There a Swollen Bump on My Lip?

Family Medicine, Primary Care Roots Community Health Center, Hippo Education, Kameda Medical Center

Supervised by Kenji Taylor, MD

A swollen bump on your lip is often a fluid-filled cyst called a mucocele, which usually occurs on the lower lip after small injuries that cause saliva to collect under the skin. However, other causes like infections or allergies might also result in such bumps.

Explanation

When you see a swollen bump on your lip, one common reason is something called a mucocele. This happens when a tiny salivary gland gets injured, maybe from biting your lip, and saliva leaks out into the surrounding tissue. The saliva then builds up into a small, soft lump that you can see and feel. Mucoceles often appear on the lower lip and are usually harmless. I In some cases, bumps can be from other causes such as infections, allergic reactions, or other skin conditions, and a doctor can help figure out the exact reason. If the bump doesn’t go away, grows bigger, or causes discomfort, it is a good idea to see a doctor.

(References)

Shirbhate U, Bajaj P, Patil M, Dare S. Mucous Extravasation Cyst Associated With the Lower Lip and Its Management: A Case Report. Cureus. 2023 Oct 5;15(10):e46557. doi: 10.7759/cureus.46557. PMID: 37933354; PMCID: PMC10625657.
Błochowiak KJ, Kamiński B, Witmanowski H, Sokalski J. Selected presentations of lip enlargement: clinical manifestation and differentiation. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2018 Feb;35(1):18-25. doi: 10.5114/ada.2018.73160. Epub 2018 Feb 20. PMID: 29599668; PMCID: PMC5872243.
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. doi: 10.7759/cureus.71707. PMID: 39553086; PMCID: PMC11568828.

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