Hello,

I noticed a tiny hard lump inside my lower lip two or three weeks ago. It's painless and movable. There is no discoloration though if I've been picking at it through the day I've noticed a small, white dot over the area before I go to bed. I can only really feel this lump when I press my tongue or fingers to it, it does not protrude. It's about half the size of an unpopped popcorn seed, maybe smaller, and has not grown in size since I first noticed it.

I'm a twenty-six year old female and I've been a smoker for about seven years. I've quit (NOT an easy task, but being worried about this lump has driven me to succeed at this -- been a couple of weeks, wish me continued luck!!)

Anyway, I'm quite worried. I realize you're unable to make any sort of a diagnosis, however - should I be as worried sick about this as I am? My lower lip has always been full of little movable bumps - they feel like fat cells, or something, that I can feel if I run my tongue along the inside of my lip - this sort of feels like one of them but larger, harder, and much more definite.



Basically I'd like to know if I'm justified in having convinced myself that this is some kind of crazy lip cancer that's gonna kill me. I've yet to make a Dr's appointment though I plan on very soon if this doesn't go away - I have to admit, I'm scared shitless to do so.

Thankyou.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MelJohnson,

Hello MelJohnson

It is most likely that the hard painless lump in the lip is a minor saliva gland. The overlying tissue became hyperkeratinised (white dot) as you kept nibbling at it! The other bumps are probably Fordyce granules. So relax.

Do see you dentist/doctor about it and let us know how you get on.

... and good luck with stopping to smoke. You can do it.

Best wishes
Vinod

Thankyou for your speedy reply, it's very appreciated & has made me feel a bit better.

Does anyone have any words regarding what I may expect at the Doctor's office based on what I've described above? Are biopsies usual protocol, or does it all just depend? ;P I'd like to know a bit of what to expect. Would it be best to see a dentist, or a doctor... or would either suffice?

Thanks again.

Dentist is better as should know more about the mouth! Biopsy to confirm the diagnosis is only done if there is a concern about suspicious lesions (i.e growing, signs of malignancy), otherwise observation is sufficient.