Lip bump (mucocele)

Overview

Mucoceles form when a small saliva gland is damaged, often by lip biting, and saliva pools under the skin.

They're most common on the inner lower lip and can come and go.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Soft bump inside the lip
• Soft, clear bump inside the lip

Less common

• Bluish color
• Bump that keeps refilling
• Bump under the tongue (ranula)

When to get medical care

Causes

Lip biting.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Children

Diagnosis

Diagnosis by looking.

Treatment

Leave it alone.

Self-care

• Don't bite or pop it
• Avoid lip biting
• Wait a few weeks: many go away
• Rinse with warm salt water

Removal if it lasts.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Stop lip biting habits

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dentist or an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Stay active in ways that feel good to you.
• Get enough sleep and manage stress.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children and teens: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Harmless.

Removal usually cures it, though some come back.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Should it be removed?
• Could this be something else?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Lip bump (mucocele)