What Causes Small Purple Coloured Bumps On Tongue In A Smoker?

Posted on Sat, 28 Nov 2015

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

Sat, 28 Nov 2015 Answered on

Fri, 18 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I am a 40 year old female smoker. I have a small purple bump under my tongue on the floor of my mouth. It is painless. I just noticed it today. It is actually located where the tongue connects to the floor of the mouth. What information can you give me? Also, would a regular dentist be able to help or do I need to see an oral surgeon? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be a MUCOCELE..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns....

As per your complain symptoms of having a purple lump under the tongue seems to be consistent with a MUCOCELE..
A MUCOCELE is formed when there is rupture to the duct of a minor salivary gland secondary to trauma..
It can also occur if there is clogging in the duct of the gland..
It is a harmless and a painless bump..
It can resolve on its own.
You can do concentrated salt water gurgles..
In case if it does not show any signs of regression in 10 days consult an Oral Surgeon and get evaluated thoroughly ..
In case of persisting Mucocele surgical removal under local anaesthesia can be advised to you..

Any further questions are welcome...

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee