What Causes Canker Sore On Lower Lip And A Salivary Gland Stone?

Posted on Wed, 22 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 Answered on

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : i met with my doctor last week for some sinus issues that have been plaguing me for quite some time. I started to finally notice because I have had more issues lately and started to worry. Back in February I had a salivary gland stone that passed on its own but freaked me out since I've been healthy since I was a child. I am a former smoker(30y/o and smoked from 21-26) so repeated issues were stressing me out. in February they did bloodwork since they didn't know initially what the gland stone was and it came back all good. On this visit While I was there I asked my doctor to look at what I initially thought was a canker sore, it's on my lower lip but it wouldn't go away. It doesn't hurt has a white tip to it and It actually gets larger when I eat salty food. It's been there for almost a month now and I'm concerned. He says this is a cyst and it's nothing to worry about. it started to go down late last week and after eating chili yesterday flared back up. I scheduled an appt with an ENT next week. However I'm stressed about it and wondering if I should worry about it. It's clear and fluid filled, about the size of a large pea/bean, and painless unless I bite at it.

Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably suffering from mucocele

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
I have gone through your query; it suggest that most probably you may be suffering mucocele.

To reach the near diagnosis either send me the image of your lesion or consult with your ENT specialist.

If you are suffering from the above mentioned disease then better to go for the excision of your mucocele i.e. mucous retention cyst. For your kind information it is the non malignant lesion therefore no need to worry.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Hariom Sharma (1 hour later)

You mentioned having it removed - will it not heal on its own?

Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It will not heal its own

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
I have gone through your follow up query and reports; it suggests that most probably it will not heal on its own.

You may try the intralesional injection of the steroid but treatment of choice is the excision of the cyst.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E