Bumps and blisters in the mouth: causes, symptoms and treatment
What are they?
The appearance of small bumps or vesicles in the oral cavity can be worrisome, especially if they are large, filled with fluid, or interfere with eating and speaking. The most common benign growths with this appearance are mucoceles and ranulas.
mucocele
What is a mucocele?
A mucocele is a mucinous (mucous) cyst that forms when saliva accumulates in the surrounding tissues due to:
salivary duct obstruction
Rupture of the canal following a bite or trauma
It most often forms inside the lower lip, but can also form in other places (under the tongue, on the cheeks, on the palate).
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What does it look like?
A soft, translucent or bluish mass
Size ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters
When pressed, it can burst and release clear mucus.
Ranule
What is a ranula?
A ranula is a particular type of mucocele that develops at the back of the mouth, under the tongue. It originates from a major salivary gland (sublingual gland).
Features:
Being larger in size, it can fill a significant portion of the floor of the mouth.
Bubble appearance
May make chewing and speaking difficult.
Other possible causes of mouth swelling
Besides mucoceles and ranulas, these formations can, more rarely, be caused by:
Fibroid – a benign, hard tumor of connective tissue
Papilloma – a benign, wart-like growth, often caused by HPV
Inflammatory granuloma – a reaction to chronic irritation
Salivary gland tumors (less frequent, sometimes malignant)
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