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Dear Dr. Spector,

I have a lip bump that doesn't go away ...it is round...I have this almost 3 months ago...is it hpv? It is just one and doesn't look like a cauliflower......also which doctor should I go to?

Thanks,

Connie

The Philippines

Dear Connie,

Bumps that occur on the lips are very common problems encountered by ENT's, and this would be the type of doctor that you should ideally see. If you cannot find one easily, a General Surgeon may also be able to help you. One look at your particular lesion would be very helpful in deciding what it was, but by your description, a few common ones come to mind.

A mucocoele (or mucocele) is a round, smooth bump that appears fluid filled, and is commonly found on the outer third of the lower lip, just inside the line where the lips come together. This is usually caused by trauma, like biting the lip, and is cured by removing the lesion completely. Simply poking a hole in the bump, and letting the fluid out, often will not get rid of the problem. This is because a small gland inside the lip has been traumatized, and is producing fluid that collects under the lip's surface. The gland, as well as the bump itself, must be removed for full resolution. If left alone, it can persist for very long periods of time, and may get bigger and smaller as the fluid leaks out, and is replaced. Here is a picture of a mucocoele:

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) may cause lesions on several places on the head and neck, and may be the cause of your lesion. Surgical excision of the visible lesion usually cures this problem, although it can be recurrent in some cases.

In your case, the description you give does not sound like cancer, as they are commonly irregular in appearance, with a central crater, or, as you note, a "cauliflower-like" or warty appearance. This is not guaranteed, however, and any bump on the lip that has been present for as long as yours has should be evaluated. Depending on the size, it should be biopsied or removed completely to find out what it is.

Thank you for your question!

Jared E. Spector, MD

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