Sebaceous Cyst on the Lip: What You Should Know

The term sebaceous cyst is commonly used for an epidermoid cyst: a small sac beneath the skin containing keratin, a protein made by skin cells. On or near the lip, a rounded lump may also have other causes, including a blocked minor salivary gland or an inflamed spot, so appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

A cyst may feel smooth, firm, or slightly mobile and can remain unchanged for some time. Some have a visible central pore. If the sac becomes inflamed or infected, the area may become tender, red, warm, swollen, or produce thick, unpleasant-smelling material. A lip lump can also be irritated by biting, shaving, cosmetics, or friction.

Do not squeeze, puncture, or try to empty the lump. Pressure can push material deeper, introduce bacteria, increase swelling, and leave a scar. Keep the area clean, avoid picking at any opening, and pause products that sting or rub against it. A warm, clean compress may ease mild tenderness, but it does not remove the cyst wall.

A clinician can inspect the lump and decide whether observation is reasonable. If inflammation is prominent, an intralesional steroid injection may be considered in selected cases; drainage can relieve a collection of pus but may not remove the cyst lining. Cyst removal is a procedure that takes out the sac and its contents and is more likely to address a recurring lump. Ask how treatment may affect the visible lip border, healing, and any specimen that needs assessment.

Arrange a medical assessment if the lump persists, returns after draining, grows, bleeds, ulcerates, changes colour, or interferes with eating or speaking. Seek prompt care for rapidly increasing swelling, spreading redness, marked pain, fever, pus, or difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing. These features can indicate infection or swelling that needs timely treatment.

A new or unexplained lump should be examined rather than labelled from a photograph. Bring a record of when it appeared, changes you have noticed, previous drainage, and products or injuries that may have irritated the area.

You could ask: Does this look like an epidermoid cyst or another type of lip lump? Is there inflammation or infection? Should it be watched, injected, drained, or removed? Where would an incision be placed, and what scar or change in lip contour should I expect? What symptoms should prompt a review after treatment?