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Mucoceles are painless cysts that form inside the lip due to the collection of clear fluid. Recurring mucoceles can cause permanent scarring, and some types may require medical attention. Mucoceles can form anywhere in the oral cavity and may require surgical removal in some cases.
A painless cyst that appears inside the lip is known as a mucocele or mucus retention cyst. Mucoceles are a harmless and common condition resulting from the collection of clear fluid on the inner surface of the lip. Although these cysts, also known as mucous cysts, normally heal on their own, recurring mucoceles have the potential to permanently scar the area on which they form. In some cases, certain types of mucocele formation can cause complications that require medical attention.
Individuals who habitually suck their inner lip between their teeth often experience the formation of a mucocele. Pressure exerted on the membranes of the inner lip causes clear fluid to collect within a thin sac, eventually forming a cyst. It has been suggested that these cysts result from ductal obstruction or rupture of the salivary glands. The small cysts that form are harmless, but they can be quite annoying. Those who have had their tongue or lebret pierced may experience a cyst forming in the immediate vicinity of the piercing.
A diagnosis of mucocele can be confirmed with a visual examination of the affected area. In cases where the cyst causes discomfort, a doctor’s visit may be necessary. Continued trauma to the affected area can cause delayed healing and potentially cause the cyst to enlarge due to additional fluid collection. Most often, when the affected area is left alone, the cyst will rupture and heal on its own.
To ease the discomfort, the cyst may need to be opened to allow drainage and to promote healing. A cyst opening should be conducted in a doctor’s office and performed by a qualified healthcare professional to reduce the risk of infection. In cases where infection develops, antibiotics are usually given. Persistent recurrence of a cyst can result in a permanent, hard lump forming over the affected area.
Although most commonly found on the lips, these cysts can form anywhere within the oral cavity. A mucous cyst that forms on the gum, known as an epulis, generally results from repetitive trauma to the affected area, as seen with individuals wearing dentures. A cyst that forms on the bottom, or floor, of the mouth is called a ranula. Trauma, tissue damage, or ductal obstruction of the salivary glands is usually the genesis for the formation of a ranula. Unlike other mucoceles, epulis and ranula cysts often require surgical removal to prevent further discomfort and complications.
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