A Common Yet Overlooked Lesion: Lower Lip Mucocele In Focus

Abstract

In the oral cavity, mucoceles are the most frequently encountered lesions of the minor salivary glands and are among the most frequently biopsied oral pathologies in paediatric and adolescent populations. A 20-year-old female came to out-patient department with a painless swelling on the lower lip that had persisted for one week. She reported a history of habitual lip-biting. Clinical examination revealed a dome-shaped lesion soft in consistency with a pearly bluish hue on the surface of the right lower labial mucosa. On palpation the lesion was mobile, superficial and not attached to underlying tissues. Based on the signs and symptoms it is diagnosed as mucocele. Under local anaesthesia, an excisional biopsy was taken from the lesion and the excised specimen was sent for histopathological examination. Microscopic analysis revealed a mucous-filled cystic cavity surrounded by compressed connective tissue stroma with areas of chronic inflammatory infiltration, confirming the diagnosis of mucocele. At the 10-day postoperative follow-up, healing was satisfactory with no evidence of infection or recurrence. The patient remains asymptomatic and hemodynamically stable. Mucoceles are common, benign lesions of the minor salivary glands, typically presenting as painless, dome-shaped swellings. Although their appearance may be concerning to patients, especially due to rapid onset or bluish coloration, mucoceles are non-neoplastic and carry no malignant potential. Recognizing their benign nature is essential to alleviate patient anxiety and to guide simple, effective management approaches." Mucoceles are noncancerous lesions that, although common, can cause concern due to their appearance and recurrence potential. Reassuringly, they are benign and, when diagnosed promptly, can be easily treated and eliminated through simple surgical excision under the care of a dental surgeon. Early intervention not only improves outcomes but also alleviates patient anxiety regarding the nature of the lesion.