Is A Hard Painful Small Lump On Tongue Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 30 Dec 2014

Question: Is a hard painful small lump on top front of tongue a reason to be worried. Looks a little purple grey color. Slightly painful

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly, post image of the lesion

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.

It would be more informative if you could post the image of the tongue lesion.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (41 minutes later)

No camera sorry. Lump is smooth medium purple grey and smooth. I have had for roughly 8 days. No change. Lump is medium to hard. How long does it take for a bite to heal?

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Mucocele and hemangioma are most probable diagnosis

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,

A purple-gray smooth and firm swelling on tongue could be due to mucocele.
Mucocele is a swelling caused by rupture of minor salivary glands.
Bite leads to injury which usually appears red in color and swelling is unlikely. Therefore bite seems unlikely to me.
In case the lesion is dusky bluish, there is a possibility of hemangioma or blood filled tumorous growth also.

Consult your primary healthcare provider for clinical assessment and thus management.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (26 minutes later)

Color is very faint. Does that make a difference? Is a biopsy the only way to tell if it's any of the conditions you listed?

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Lesion can be diagbosed without biopsy also

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,

Faint color rules out the possibility of hemangioma or blood filled tumor.
The lesion can be diagnosed without biopsy.
A clinical assessment is required before deciding anything further.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad