Published on: 3/5/2025
A painless bump on your upper lip could be a benign growth like a solitary fibrous tumor or fibroma, but it is important to watch for any changes.
Painless bumps on your upper lip can have a few different causes. One possibility is a fibroma. This is a small, benign growth that your body may form after repeated minor irritations or pressure. It is not usually a cause for concern if it stays small and unchanged. Another possibility is a solitary fibrous tumor. Although this type of tumor is rare, it is generally benign and slow-growing. Research shows that these tumors often do not cause pain and usually remain stable over time. On the other hand, while oral squamous cell carcinoma (a type of cancer) is an important condition to be aware of, it is less likely when the bump is small, painless, and not changing. However, if you notice any changes in size, color, or texture of the bump, it is wise to have it evaluated by a doctor. Monitoring the bump for any changes over time can help ensure that any potential problems are caught early.
(References)
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Scully C, Bagan J. Oral squamous cell carcinoma: overview of current understanding of aetiopathogenesis and clinical implications. Oral Dis. 2009 Sep;15(6):388-99. doi: 10.1111/j.1601-0825.2009.01563.x. Epub 2009 Apr 2. PMID: 19371401.
Shmuly T, Ben Zvi Y, Chaushu G, Kaplan I. Oral Solitary Fibrous Tumor: A Retrospective Clinico-Pathological Study and Long-Term Follow-Up. _Medicina_. 2021; 57(2):152. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57020152
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