Oral bumps and sores are something almost everyone experiences at some point. However, not all of them are as simple as canker sores. You might see a small, painless bump on the upper lip or under the tongue. It may actually be an oral mucocele, a common oral lesion caused by the accumulation of trapped saliva.
Research published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology shows that mucoceles affect around 2.4 out of every 1000 people, making them more widespread than most realize.
The challenge is that they often mimic other mouth sores. Ultimately, this leads people to dismiss them or wait far too long for them to heal. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through what mucoceles are, how they form, the signs that set them apart from canker sores, and what treatment options you can explore if they don’t resolve on their own.
Read more about oral mucoceles below.
What Is an Oral Mucocele?
Also known as a mucous cyst, it is a soft swelling caused by the accumulation of saliva that leaks from the small salivary glands inside your mouth. These glands produce saliva that normally drains through tiny ducts. But when a duct gets blocked, injured, or ruptured, the saliva has no place to go. Then, it collects under the tissue, creating a smooth, dome-shaped bump.
Most mucoceles are painless. Although they can sometimes be uncomfortable because of their size, position, or movement when you speak or eat. Also, they can be transparent to bluish, depending on how deep they are under the tissue.
Types of Oral Mucocele
There are two main types of oral mucoceles:
- Extravasation mucocele: It occurs when a salivary gland duct ruptures due to trauma. It causes mucus to spill into the surrounding connective tissue.
- Retention mucocele: It happens when a salivary duct is blocked, so the mucus is retained in the duct.
There are also clinical variants based on depth. For instance, superficial mucoceles lie right under the mucosal surface. On the other hand, deep mucoceles sit lower in the tissue.
Oral Mucocele Symptoms and How to Identify Them
Oral mucoceles are usually easy to recognize once you know what to look for. They tend to have a very characteristic appearance and behavior, which sets them apart from typical cysts in the mouth or ulcers.
Here are the most common symptoms:
- It is a small, dome-shaped bump that you can feel with your tongue.
- It is typically painless, which often surprises people who expect mouth sores to hurt.
- They usually look like a smooth bubble or blister.
- They may appear:
- Clear bump inside lip
- Bluish or purple if the trapped mucus is deeper under the tissue
- Pink if they’re closer to the surface
- Size can also vary. For example, they can be small, around 2–10 mm. In contrast, they can grow larger, especially if they continue to refill with saliva.
- Ranulas (oral mucoceles under the tongue) can become large, balloon-like swellings, sometimes over 2 cm.
Causes of Oral Mucoceles
Thinking, ‘Why do I have a bump on my lip? ’, here might be the reasons.
1. Accidental Lip or Cheek Biting
The inner lip contains many tiny salivary glands, and a sudden bite ruptures one of their ducts. Then, saliva cannot drain normally and begins to collect under the surface, forming a bubble-like swelling. This is why bumps on the inside of the lip are very common after accidental biting.
2. Habitual or Repeated Trauma
Habits like chronic lip biting, cheek chewing, lip sucking, or biting pens or pencils cause a mucocele on the lip. Moreover, even nail biting can cause continuous micro-injuries. Over time, the repeated trauma can rupture or block a duct, leading to persistent or recurring mucoceles.
3. Damage From Sharp Teeth or Dental Appliances
Sharp or broken teeth, rough dental fillings, ill-fitting dentures, and even braces or retainers can irritate the soft tissues of the mouth. When these appliances constantly rub or poke the inner lip or cheek, they can injure the salivary ducts. Further, this mechanical damage allows mucus to leak into the surrounding tissue.
4. Blockage of Salivary Gland Ducts
Sometimes, rather than rupturing, a duct becomes blocked. It builds up saliva. Thick mucus plugs, minor scar tissue, inflammation, or, in rare cases, tiny salivary stones can block these small ducts. The trapped saliva then forms a clear bump inside the lip, leading to a mucocele.
5. Inflammatory Conditions
Inflammation inside the mouth can also interfere with normal saliva flow. When the tissues are inflamed or irritated, they may press against the salivary ducts and obstruct them. Conditions such as frequent mouth infections, chronic irritation from tobacco, or dehydration, which thickens saliva, can all contribute to mucocele formation.
6. Oral Piercings
Lip piercings, especially those on the lower lip, can damage the glands beneath the surface. The jewelry may cause ongoing irritation or repeated trauma to the ducts. Over time, this can lead to duct injury and the development of a mucocele.
How Are Oral Mucoceles Diagnosed?
1. Visual Examination by a Dentist
A dentist diagnoses oral mucoceles simply by looking at them. They assess the size, color, and location of the bump to distinguish it from other oral lesions such as canker sores, infections, or tumors. Their appearance, which is often soft, smooth, and translucent, helps dentists identify them.
2. Medical and Dental History Review
To clearly understand the cause, the dentist may ask about habits like lip biting, recent injuries, or the use of dental appliances. They may also ask if the swelling keeps coming back or changes in size, as this helps them figure out the right diagnosis.
3. Palpation of the Lesion
The dentist may gently press the bump to feel its texture. Mucoceles are usually soft or squishy because they’re filled with trapped saliva, which makes them different from harder types of growths.
4. Imaging Tests (Only if Needed)
In unusual or persistent cases, imaging like ultrasound or MRI may be used. These tests help determine the depth of the lesion and rule out other conditions that mimic mucoceles.
5. Biopsy for Confirmation
A biopsy is recommended in case the mucocele is large, recurrent, or uncertain in appearance. A small tissue sample is taken and examined in a lab to confirm the diagnosis.
Oral Mucocele Treatments
An oral mucocele often goes away on its own and does not necessarily require extensive treatment. However, in some cases, it becomes enlarged, creating issues with mouth function. Under those circumstances, do not try to rupture it yourself. Seek medical help from an expert. The dentist or doctor may recommend the following treatments:
➮ Cryotherapy
This treatment removes oral mucoceles by freezing the affected tissue. During the procedure, a dentist or oral surgeon applies a very cold substance, usually liquid nitrogen, directly to the mucocele. The extreme cold destroys the trapped saliva and the damaged salivary gland tissue, causing the swelling. This treatment is quick, typically painless, and non-invasive. Most patients feel only mild discomfort or a cold sensation during the process. After treatment, the area may appear white or slightly swollen for a short time, but it usually heals within a few days.
➮ Laser Treatment
Instead of using traditional surgical instruments, the dentist uses a small, focused beam of light to open and remove the swollen salivary gland. Laser therapy is quick and usually done under local anesthesia, meaning only the treated area is numbed. The heat from the laser helps seal blood vessels as it works, so bleeding is minimal and the procedure is generally more comfortable than standard surgery.
One of the biggest benefits of laser treatment is faster healing. Because the procedure is less invasive, patients often experience less pain, swelling, and scarring afterward. Recovery is usually smooth, and most people can return to normal eating and speaking within a short time.
➮ Surgical Excision
If you have a large, bothersome oral mucocele, surgical excision is the best option to treat it. In this procedure, a dentist or oral surgeon removes both the mucocele and the affected salivary gland to prevent the swelling from returning.
Similar to laser treatment, it also requires local anesthesia. Once the area is numb, the surgeon carefully opens the tissue, removes the mucocele, and takes out the damaged salivary duct or gland that is causing the saliva buildup. This ensures that the root cause is fully addressed. The entire procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes.
FinanceMutual Making The Treatment Affordable
While many mucoceles resolve on their own, some require professional treatment. If cost is a concern, FinanceMutual offers flexible payment plans to make your care more affordable. Their AI-powered system evaluates your financial profile and suggests the most suitable plan for you. With options ranging from 3 to 12 months and zero upfront payment, managing treatment becomes much easier. Moreover, fast approval also ensures you can move forward with mucocele removal without unnecessary delays.
To Conclude
Although oral mucoceles typically do not cause pain, they can lead to discomfort and may grow into larger mucous cysts if left untreated. For this reason, you must visit a dentist for persistent lesions. Treatment varies depending on the size and severity of the cyst, so selecting the appropriate option is important.
To keep your treatment affordable, flexible payment plans can help you manage the cost without added stress.
FAQs
1. Is an Early-Stage Mucocele a Sign of Oral Cancer?
An early-stage mucocele is not a sign of oral cancer, as mucoceles are harmless, fluid-filled bumps caused by blocked or injured salivary ducts, and they do not turn into cancer.
2. Why Do I Have a Clear Bubble Inside My Lip?
A clear bubble inside your lip is usually a mucocele, which forms when a salivary gland duct gets blocked or injured.
3. What Is Oral Mucocele Supportive Therapy?
Oral mucocele supportive therapy includes non-surgical methods that help reduce discomfort and encourage healing, such as warm saltwater rinses, avoiding lip-biting, and managing irritation.
4. Is It Possible To Get a Mucocele on the Roof of the Mouth?
Yes, it is possible because minor salivary gland cysts form when a duct gets blocked or damaged. It can happen on the palate.
5. How Does a Mucocele Pop Itself?
A mucocele can pop on its own when the thin surface layer breaks, usually from normal movements like talking, eating, or accidental pressure.
6. How To Identify if You Have Early-Stage Oral Mucocele Cancer?
Early-stage oral mucocele cancer is extremely rare, and typical mucoceles are benign. However, warning signs that need evaluation include a persistent mouth bump that doesn’t heal, rapid growth, hardness, pain or bleeding, or changes in color.