A mucocele is a common, harmless, fluid-filled swelling that occurs in the mouth. It is essential…
A mucocele is a common, harmless, fluid-filled swelling that occurs in the mouth. It is essentially a mucous cyst, most often found on the inner surface of the lower lip. They are typically painless, smooth, dome-shaped, and can appear clear, bluish, or the color of your normal mucosa, depending on their depth.
Visual Appearance
Shape: Smooth, round, dome-shaped lesion.
Color: Often has a distinctive bluish hue or is translucent. Deeper lesions may be the same color as the surrounding pink tissue.
Texture: Soft, fluctuating (feels like a small, movable bubble).
Size: Can vary greatly, ranging from a tiny 1 millimeter to over 2 centimeters in diameter.
Typical Causes
Mucoceles are caused by trauma to or blockage of a minor salivary gland. These tiny glands produce saliva to keep your mouth moist. If a gland is damaged, the saliva cannot flow into the mouth and instead builds up, creating a cyst-like swelling.
Common causes include:
Lip biting or sucking: The most frequent cause.
Accidental trauma: Injury from eating sharp foods, falling, or a blow to the mouth.
Clogged salivary duct: Less commonly, a duct can become blocked.
Common Locations
Lower Lip: By far the most common site (accounting for over 90% of cases).
Inner Cheeks (Buccal Mucosa)
Under the Tongue: A mucocele on the floor of the mouth is specifically called a ranula.
Roof of the Mouth (Palate)
Symptoms
Most mucoceles are painless. The primary "symptom" is the presence of the bump itself.
