Differential Diagnosis for 13-year-old with Lip Swelling and Discomfort
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Traumatic lip swelling due to biting: This is the most likely diagnosis given the history of biting her lower lip after a dental appointment. The swelling and discomfort are consistent with a traumatic injury.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Allergic reaction to Novocain: Although less common, an allergic reaction to the local anesthetic used during the dental appointment could cause swelling and discomfort.
- Infection (e.g., bacterial or viral): The trauma from biting the lip could lead to an infection, especially if the lip was not properly cleaned and cared for after the injury.
- Hematoma: Bleeding into the tissues of the lip could cause swelling and discomfort, especially if the patient has a bleeding disorder or is taking anticoagulant medications.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Angioedema: A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that could cause rapid swelling of the lips, face, and airway.
- Cellulitis or abscess: A bacterial infection that could spread rapidly and cause serious complications if not treated promptly.
- Bleeding disorder (e.g., hemophilia): Although rare, a bleeding disorder could cause significant bleeding and swelling after a minor trauma like biting the lip.
- Rare diagnoses
- Hereditary angioedema: A rare genetic disorder that causes recurrent episodes of severe swelling, often triggered by trauma or stress.
- Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: A rare neurological disorder that causes recurrent episodes of facial swelling, including lip swelling, along with other symptoms like facial weakness and difficulty speaking.
- Lip cancer: Although extremely rare in a 13-year-old, lip cancer could cause swelling and discomfort, especially if the patient has a history of sun exposure or tobacco use (although this would be highly unusual in a teenager).