Brief Answer:
Mucocele most probably

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HCM...

I read history and saw the photos. After that I could conclude that most probably you may be having mucocele. Do not worry,mucocele is a benign condition. It may heal without treatment or may need some form of treatment.

A mucocele is a “mucous retention cyst” that forms as a result of a salivary gland becoming blocked. It manifests itself as a lump that is firm to the touch, and may fluctuate in size.. The mucoceles are quite common, and usually occur on the inside of the lower lip. However, mucoceles can occur anywhere there is a salivary gland to get clogged, such as inside your nose or throat.


Mucoceles are usually caused by trauma of some sort to a salivary gland. This can happen if you bite your lip, or get hit in the lip. The trauma can cause the duct in the salivary gland to get clogged, thus causing a mucocele to develop.

Initially there is collection of mucin in the cyst,that is why it looks transparent. As the time passes,the mucocele may be infected or traumatised by teeth leading to its reddish appearance. There may blood collected in the cyst. It may become painful.

Sometime,mucocele heals by its own without treatment. Salt water rinsing or gargles enhance the healing. If it does not heal, consult the dermatologist,surgeon, ENT specialist or dentist. After thorough examination and investigations,he might decide how to treat.


There are different modes of treatment....
1)laser therapy: a small, directed beam of light is used to remove the cyst
2)cryotherapy: the cyst is removed by freezing
3)intralesional corticosteroid injection: a steroid is injected into the cyst to reduce inflammation and speed up healing
4)helping a new duct to form.... Called marsupialization, this technique helps a new duct form and helps saliva leave the salivary gland.
5)surgery- to remove the cyst under local anaesthesia by cutting the cyst at the base and followed by stitching.

Antibiotics,anti inflammatory drugs and analgesics may be taken to relieve infection,swelling and pain..

I hope this would help you.

Thanks.

Dr.Ilyas Patel MD

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