I am a 28 year old woman who has been smoking since the 8th grade. I am now trying to quit!!!

However, Yesterday I found a small soft lump inside my lower lip. On inspection, I could not see a lump or any discoloration. I can hardly if at all feel it with my finger. I can feel it with my tongue.

Last year my tonsil swollen and I went to see a ENT doctor. He thought it was a cyst, and gave me antibotics that heald it except for now my tonsil is a bit deformed from the cyst.

I also have had for many years what my doctor calls geographic tongue, I know there is a better name for it but I can't think of it. White patches on the tongue. sometimes the tip of my tongue will be sore. This all goes away, and my dentist has never told me to be concerned about this. I do have red gums do to mild gingivitis.

I called the dentist today and can't get into see him till May 7th. I am so nervouse, I'm making the area sore but non stop feeling it!! I have been going through so many tests the past few months for my bladder and a mild abnormal pap. I really would like any feedback. Thank you for your time.

Hello Jen

I don't think what you are describing is a cancer of the lip!

Cancers of the lip and other parts of the mouth often feel hard or ulcerate. A person who chews tobacco or uses snuff may develop white, ridged bumps on the inside of the lips that can develop into verrucous carcinoma. You don't chew tobacco, do you?

I think the soft imperceptible lump you are describing are the small saliva glands normally found in the inner side of the lower lip. Most of us remain unaware of them until we start exploring the lip. Occassionaly if damaged, e.g. through nipping or nibbling the lip, saliva leaks into the tisue and gives rise to a mucous retention (or extravasation) cyst. So stop worrying and enjoy the weekend. Stop bothering your lip . Only start worrying :alert: if your 'lump' begins to grow larger, hurts or ulcerates. :soapbox: Do stop smoking.

Regarding your geographic tongue (benign migratory glossitis) , do some research through the Internet and see if you can find some advice. It is not well understood and there is not much treatment.

Let us know how it all turns out.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee:

Thank you so much for your reply. I guess it bothered me because I had no other lumps in my lower lip or mouth except there, there was also no irratation from chewing or what not. So I guess I freaked out a bit. Thank you again for your quick reply, you will never know what that means to a person who is worried all day.

I just wanted to let you know I went to the Dentist today, he pretty much said what you did, it is a blocked saliva gland, he said that sometimes happens and that it probably will go away eventually. I also had a concern with a tiny white spot on the skin near my tonsil, and he also assured me that it was tissue that got """bunched""" up and can form a little calice and make the tissure appear white. So I think everything went well. Thank you again for your help.

Hello Jen

Glad to know all turned out well. Don't forget to give up smoking! :bomb:

You can use us as a support group - we will cheer you on.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee:

Hello, I was wondering where on this site there is the pictures you spoke of? Thanks.

Hello worrywart

What pictures were you looking for? Did you mean pictures of Normal Findings and Structures Mistaken for Disease.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee: