A mucous cyst, also known as a mucocele, is a fluid-filled swelling that occurs on the lip or the mouth.
The cyst develops when the mouth’s salivary glands become plugged with mucus. Most cysts are on the lower lip, but they can occur anywhere inside your mouth. They’re usually temporary and painless. However, cysts can become permanent if they’re not treated.
Mucous cysts are most commonly caused by trauma to the oral cavity, such as:
Poor dental hygiene and a habit of lip or cheek biting due to stress can also put you at higher risk for developing mucous cysts. Some people develop these cysts as a bad reaction to tartar-control toothpaste.
The symptoms of a mucous cyst vary by how deep the cyst lies within the skin and how often the cysts occur. Most cysts are not painful, but they can be uncomfortable. Frequent cysts can become painful over time.
Symptoms of cysts near the surface of the skin include:
Symptoms of cysts deeper within the skin include:
Treatment is based upon the severity of the mucous cyst. Sometimes cysts may not require treatment and will heal on their own over time. Superficial cysts often resolve on their own. To prevent infection or tissue damage, do not try to open or remove cysts at home. Frequent or recurring cysts may require further medical treatment.
Treatments used in mucous cysts that are not very severe include:
To prevent recurrence — or to treat especially severe cysts — your doctor may recommend surgical removal of the cyst or even the complete salivary gland.
Mucous cysts can take anywhere from a week to two years after treatment to heal, depending on the type and severity of the cyst.
Even after healing, the only way to ensure a cyst will not come back is to have it surgically removed. Avoid habits like lip or cheek biting to help prevent future cysts.
Once identified and properly diagnosed, mucous cysts have a good recovery rate. These are benign (noncancerous) cysts, so they do not pose any long-term health concerns. The greatest complications with mucous cysts are pain and discomfort. If you suspect a mucous cyst in or around your mouth, get it checked out promptly.
