What Might a Pea-Sized Lump in My Lip Indicate?

A small lump on the lip can have different causes, and possible explanations include:

• Mucocele – This is a fluid-filled cyst that develops when a salivary gland becomes blocked or damaged. It's one of the most common causes of lip lumps and appears as a soft, painless swelling.
• Fibroma – A non-cancerous growth made up of fibrous or connective tissue that can develop due to chronic irritation or trauma to the lip.
• Lipoma – A soft, fatty lump that grows slowly and is typically harmless. While less common on the lips, they can occur in this area.
• Angioleiomyoma – This is a painless growth made up of muscle cells that form around blood vessels. It is a rare, benign tumor that has been seen on the upper lip.
• Basal Cell Adenoma – This is a non-cancerous tumor that arises from the salivary gland tissue found in the lips. Although it is generally rare, it can appear as a small, slowly growing nodule.
• Senile Hemangioma – Usually seen in older adults, this is a collection of blood vessels that may appear as a red or purple area on the lip.

Each of these conditions is typically not harmful. However, some sexually transmitted diseases may present as lumps on the lip. If you have any concerns or you notice the lump grows, changes color or shape, or causes discomfort, it is a good idea to have it checked by a healthcare professional.