Discovering a bump under the lip can be concerning, but these are often linked to benign conditions. Understanding their potential origins can help guide appropriate next steps.
Common Types of Lip Bumps
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are a common cause of lip bumps. They are typically small, round or oval lesions with a white or yellowish center and a red border, often appearing inside the lip. They are not contagious and can be triggered by minor injury, stress, or certain foods, usually resolving within one to two weeks.
Cold sores, caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), appear as clusters of small, fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips. Before blisters emerge, a tingling or itching sensation may be felt. These sores are highly contagious and typically crust over and heal within seven to ten days.
Mucoceles form when a minor salivary gland duct becomes blocked or severed, leading to mucus leakage into surrounding tissue. They appear as soft, painless, fluid-filled sacs that can range in size from a few millimeters to over a centimeter. These cysts often resolve on their own but can sometimes rupture and reappear.
Fordyce spots are small, painless, yellowish or whitish bumps: visible sebaceous (oil) glands. They are a natural occurrence on the lips and oral mucosa, unrelated to disease or infection. Present in many, they require no treatment.
Pimples can develop under the lip, similar to those elsewhere on the face. These occur when hair follicles or oil glands become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to inflammation. They typically appear as red, tender bumps that may have a white head and usually clear up within a few days.
Less Common or Concerning Bumps
Beyond common occurrences, other lip bumps warrant closer attention. A fibroma, for example, is a benign, smooth, dome-shaped growth that can develop on the lip due to chronic irritation or trauma, such as biting the lip repeatedly. While generally harmless, they do not resolve on their own and may persist indefinitely.
Salivary gland stones, known as sialolithiasis, can occasionally form within the ducts of salivary glands, including those located in the lip. These calcified masses can block the flow of saliva, leading to a hard, sometimes painful lump that may become more prominent during meals. These stones can also increase infection risk in the affected gland.
Bacterial and fungal infections can also manifest as bumps under the lip. Bacterial infections might cause tender, red, and swollen areas, sometimes with pus formation, while fungal infections, such as oral thrush, can appear as white, creamy lesions that may be raised. These infections often require specific antimicrobial treatment.
In rare instances, a persistent lip bump could be an early sign of oral cancer. These lesions might appear as a persistent sore, a red or white patch, or a lump that does not heal. While many lip bumps are benign, changes in appearance, texture, or the presence of pain or numbness should be evaluated. Early detection is important for effective management.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Consult a healthcare professional if a lip bump persists over two to three weeks without healing, or rapidly increases in size. Changes in the bump’s color, such as darkening or unusual paleness, or alterations in its texture, like becoming hardened or irregular, are important indicators for professional assessment.
Pain or tenderness with the bump, especially if worsening, warrants attention. Difficulty eating, speaking, or swallowing due to the bump or discomfort also warrants medical advice. Bleeding from the bump (without direct trauma), fever, or swollen neck lymph nodes are significant red flags.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office
When consulting a healthcare professional for a lip bump, the visit typically begins with a thorough physical examination of the bump and surrounding oral area. The doctor will ask detailed questions about your symptoms (onset, changes, pain) and inquire about your medical history and lifestyle factors.
Depending on the initial assessment, the doctor may recommend further diagnostic steps. This could involve imaging studies (less common for simple lip bumps) or a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken for microscopic examination. This information helps determine the bump’s nature, guiding tailored treatment recommendations.