I don't know if this lump has anything to do with my two and a half month old lip piercing. I'm 18, almost 19 years old. It's a semi-palish lump, its next to the piercing but not right on top of it. It feels kind of soft, and it doesn't feel any different from the other parts of my lip, but I'm not a doctor so I don't know. I smoke, but less than a half of a pack a day and I've been washing out after I smoke like a madwoman because I get kind of nervous about having stuff in my piercing. I have a dentist appointment in May for a regular check-up. I have no problems seeing my piercer in college because he's right next door, but I will have problems finding a dentist because A. I don't have one in college and B. my final exams are coming up and I don't have a lot of time. I would appreciate any comments because I don't know if I should worry about this. The only reason why I'm not worried is because I think it's been there for a while and I think it's one of those things that I found that just kind of "popped up." I don't think it got any bigger. It's been there for a while. I just never asked anyone about it because I assumed it was nothing, but better safe than sorry.

Here's a picture, it's kind of hard to see... I have a poor quality camera phone. And I apoligize to the nice dentist who comments on the boards because I know dentists hate piercings... but I like it.

Edit: The lump is also completely painless.

Hello Brit

Body studs can be attractive to look at. My grandmother had a tiny nose stud all her life. But I think we have to be sensible and avoid studs in areas that move with function, or are liable to be caught (snagged), or are large. So I am against lip and tongue and other body studs. I have seen infections, read reports of life threatening swellings from infections, and seen broken teeth.

I think the swelling you have is 'irritation hyperplasia' (thickening/scarring of tissues) owing to rubbing against the adjacent stud. It should shrink away after a few weeks if you remove the stud. Do arrange to see your dentist for confirmation of this or earlier if it appears to get bigger as it is better to play safe. Note: It may become permanent the longer you have the stud. I would advise its removal, but its your call.

quote:

I smoke, but less than a half of a pack a day and I've been washing out after I smoke like a madwoman because I get kind of nervous

PLEASE STOP SMOKING!

Do be sensible about these things - always ask if what you do is going to help you live a long healthy life or not. If not, avoid it.

Good luck with your exams. Let us know how you get on.

Best wishes
Vinod (in sunny Perth)