 |
NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
|
|
|
NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
|
| Home | HealthTopics | Health Centers | Reference Library | Research |
 Join us on Facebook
|
Share on Facebook | Tweet |
|
Gum Diseases |
Mucocele possible in upper lip?06/18/2007 |
48 yo female with recurrent (2-3 years) pimple like bump on inner left upper lip. Past two weeks the "pimple" came back with a large pea lump associated with it(looks like a whitehead). When squeezed a few drops of "pus" (?) came out or mucous? The head did not pop. Not a common area for a mucocele as I can see; but how much do I worry? Have had salivary calcifications removed from my ventral mouth over twenty years ago; no problems since. Good oral health otherwise. Thank you.
You sound like a good diagnostician. What you are describing is likely an example of a salivary stone or sialolithiasis developing in one of the minor salivary glands of the upper lip. These stones can occasionally break apart and get flushed out into the mouth. In these cases the bump would get smaller. In other cases, the stone blocks the saliva flow so much that the duct swells. Secondary infection by bacteria from the mouth can lead to some local tenderness or pus-like material to be produced.
Given the length of time this has been a problem, you will most likely need to have this lump surgically removed. After removal, the tissue will be examined by a pathologist to exclude the very remote possibility that this bump could be a tumor.
Good luck!
|
John R Kalmar, DMD, PhD Clinical Professor of Pathology Associate Dean of Dentistry Administration College of Dentistry The Ohio State University |
|
|
Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) 
|