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Published on: 3/5/2025

What Could Cause Tiny Bumps on My Lips If They're Not Cold Sores?

Tiny bumps on your lips that are not cold sores can be due to small benign growths like lipomas or reactive tissue changes, and they are usually not harmful.

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Explanation

There are a few things that might cause tiny bumps on your lips if they aren’t cold sores. One possibility is a lipoma, which is a small, benign (non-cancerous) growth made up of fat cells. Lipomas can occur in the mouth, including on the lips, and they usually grow slowly without causing pain. Another possibility is a reactive growth from irritation or minor injury, where your tissue may overgrow in response to repeated rubbing or pressure, forming a small bump. In some cases, tiny bumps can be an early sign of cellular changes in the lip lining. For example, in epithelial dysplasia, cells change slightly due to irritation; this is usually monitored by doctors to make sure it doesn’t develop into something more concerning over time. Most of these bumps are harmless, but it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on them. If you notice that the bumps begin growing, changing color, or feeling different, consider getting them checked by a doctor to ensure they are benign.

(References)

  • Langton SG. Oral and maxillofacial pathology: A rationale for diagnosis and treatment. _Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg_. 2003;41(4):282.

  • Furlong MA, O'Connell JX, Somach SC, et al. Lipoma of the oral and maxillofacial region: Site and subclassification of 125 cases. _Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod_. 2004;98(4):441-450. doi:10.1016/j.tripleo.2004.04.022

  • Angiero F, Berenzi A, Benetti A, Rossi E, Del Sordo R, Sidoni A, Stefani M, Dessy E. Expression of p16, p53 and Ki-67 proteins in the progression of epithelial dysplasia of the oral cavity. Anticancer Res. 2008 Sep-Oct;28(5A):2535-9. PMID: 19035275.

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