What Does A Painful Lump On Tongue Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 30 Dec 2014

Question: Is a hard painful small lump on top front of tongue a reason to be worried. Looks a little purple grey color. Slightly painful

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No reason to be worried.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Can you please attach a photo of it so I can give more precise answer?

The color of it indicates that its a kind of lump filled with blood. Most common reason of such lump in the mouth is an injury (bite). In such case there is no reason to be worried.
You should be concerned only if you smoke or the lump is present for longer than a week and is getting larger.
Please note that smoking is the strongest factor of any mouth cancer.

So in conclusion, if this has just appeared, please wait and see how it will be acting.
If you smoke, please consult laryngologist and do not wait with it.
If it is there for longer than a week you should also consult laryngologist.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (1 hour later)

I also wanted Dr Stanko to know that I have had this lump for 8 days. Can a bite take that long to heal?

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If its getting smaller, it can be a bite.

Detailed Answer:
If its getting smaller gradually, bite can take so long. It usually happens when the blood is not drained.
If its not getting smaller, laryngologist is the next step.

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad