If you discover a lump on your lip, it’s possible that you have a mucocele. This fluid-filled sac can prompt a flurry of concerns. Will it go away on its own, and will you need medical attention?
In this article, we discuss how you can determine that you have mucoceles, and if spontaneous resolution is possible.
Identifying a mucocele
Lumps on the lips can be a sign of several conditions. So, how can you be sure yours are mucoceles and not something else? Mucoceles can be distinguished as small, fluid-filled bumps on the inner surface of the lips. They may be translucent or bluish in colour and have a soft, fluctuant texture.
Whereas other conditions present different symptoms and appearances, such as:
- Allergic reactions: Swelling or bumps caused by allergic reactions to foods, cosmetics, or other substances. Often accompanied by itching, redness, or other signs of inflammation.
- Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections of the lips can be painful and swollen. Bumps may be accompanied by redness, warmth, and pus drainage.
- Canker sores or cold sores: Shallow, painful ulcers that develop on the lips, cheeks, or tongue. Usually triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or certain foods.
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease: A viral infection accompanied by fever, sore throat, and a characteristic rash of small, red bumps or blisters on the lips, hands, feet, and inside the mouth. They are common in children but can also affect adults.
If you have identified a mucocele, the chances that it will resolve on its own depend on several factors.
Size
The size of the lump is significant in whether it will resolve on its own. Smaller mucoceles, especially those less than 1 centimetre diameter, are more likely to resolve spontaneously without intervention. These smaller lumps may rupture, releasing the accumulated fluid and healing without further complications.
Conversely, larger mucoceles, particularly those exceeding 1 centimetre or persistently growing in size, are less likely to go away on their own. In such cases, medical intervention may be necessary to address the underlying issue causing the lump.
Location
The lump’s location on the lips can also influence its likelihood of resolving spontaneously. Mucoceles that develop on the inner surface of the lips or the underside of the tongue are often subjected to constant friction from the teeth and may be less likely to heal without treatment.
If you have mucoceles in areas where saliva flow is restricted, you may also experience slower healing.
Underlying causes
Understanding the underlying causes of mucoceles is essential in predicting whether they will resolve independently. Mucoceles typically occur due to damage or blockage to the salivary glands, accumulating saliva beneath the mucosal tissue. Trauma to the lips, such as biting or repetitive irritation, is a common cause of mucoceles.
If the underlying cause of the mucocele is not addressed, such as through habit modification or protective measures to prevent further trauma, the lump may persist or recur even if it initially resolves on its own.
Individual differences in healing
Individual differences in healing can determine whether mucoceles will go away on their own. Overall health, immune function, and the body’s ability to repair damaged tissue varies from person to person. Some people may experience faster healing and resolution of mucoceles, while others may require more time or treatment.
Signs a mucocele needs removal
While it’s possible for mucoceles to resolve on their own, certain signs indicate surgical removal may be necessary.
- Persistent growth: Mucoceles that continue to increase in size or fail to shrink over time may require surgery to prevent further complications.
- Pain or discomfort: Mucoceles that cause pain or discomfort, especially when eating or speaking, may indicate the need for surgery to alleviate symptoms.
- Recurrent infections: Mucoceles that become infected or repeatedly rupture may benefit from surgical removal to prevent recurrent infections and promote proper healing.
- Cosmetic concerns: Mucoceles that are cosmetically unappealing or located in highly visible areas of the lips may prompt individuals to seek treatment for aesthetic reasons.
What’s a mucocele surgery procedure like?
Surgical removal of a mucocele, also known as mucocele excision, is typically performed by an oral surgeon or maxillofacial surgeon. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia to numb the area and minimise discomfort during the surgery.
The surgeon will make an incision in the mucosal tissue during the procedure to access the underlying cyst or lesion. The mucocele is then carefully dissected and removed from the surrounding tissue. In some cases, the salivary gland duct may also need to be addressed to prevent future mucocele formation.
After the mucocele is removed, the incision site is closed with sutures to facilitate proper healing and reduce the risk of infection. The entire procedure is usually completed in a single outpatient visit, and patients can often resume normal activities shortly after that.
Mucocele treatment in Singapore
While some mucoceles may resolve on their own, others may require medical intervention, particularly if they are large, symptomatic, or persistent.
If you have persistent or symptomatic mucoceles, seeking treatment from a qualified provider is recommended. The doctors in Specialist Oral Surgeons are trained and experienced in the treatment of conditions affecting the oral cavity, including oral mucoceles.
You can expect a comprehensive evaluation and personalised removal treatment tailored to your needs. Treatment methods may include conservative measures such as topical treatment for smaller mucoceles, as well as surgical removal for larger or symptomatic lesions.
Schedule a consultation with us to know more mucocele treatment and its price.
