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There are also about 600-1,000 minor salivary glands, which occur just under the mucosa (pink skin) all over the inside of the mouth, except on the top surface of the tongue. They are located beneath the lining of the lips, the undersurface of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the hard and soft palate, inside the cheeks, nose, sinuses, and the larynx (voice box). These glands are susceptible to retrograde infections and blockages of the duct just like the major salivary glands. When this happens, the patient may notice a small reddish (inflamed) lump or bump, sometimes sore, sometimes not. These small lesions can happen anywhere on the smooth pink mucosa lining the lips, cheeks or undersurface of the tongue and floor of the mouth, as well as on the hard palate. Duct blockages often cause the swelling to take place at or around mealtime. The swelling generally subsides between meals.