Oral Mucocele

Who's At Risk?

Mucoceles are common in anyone experiences injury to the mouth. They often occur in children or young adults who are lip biters or who wear braces. A similar lesion, called a mucus-retention cyst is more common in older adults who have not had any injury to their lips. Unlike mucoceles, these mucus-retention cysts tend to look less like fluid-filled blisters and more like small bumps. They are also painless and noncancerous (benign).

Signs & Symptoms

Mucoceles usually occur on the lower lip and inner part of the cheek, as these are frequent areas of injury in the mouth, but they can occur anywhere inside the mouth. A mucocele typically is a single bump with a slight bluish or normal skin color, varying in size from 1/2 to 1 inch, and it is soft and painless. A mucocele may appear suddenly, while a mucus-retention cyst may slowly enlarge.

Self-Care Guidelines

Many mucoceles will go away on their own in 3–6 weeks. Mucus-retention cysts often last longer. Avoid the habit of chewing or sucking on the lips or cheek when these lesions are present.

Treatments

If the doctor is not sure of the diagnosis, a biopsy may be done. Minor surgery may be suggested to remove the lesion.

Visit Urgency

See your doctor if the bump persists for over 2 months or if it is growing, bleeding, interfering with talking or chewing, or painful.

Trusted Links

• Clinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Mucocele, Oral

References

Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.1729-1730. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6^th ed. pp.1087-1088. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.