Differential Diagnosis for Bumps at the Corner of the Mouth and Lips
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Angular cheilitis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the corners of the mouth, often resulting in bumps or cracks. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including vitamin deficiencies, fungal infections, or mechanical factors such as drooling or licking the lips. The location and description of the bumps make angular cheilitis a highly plausible diagnosis.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection: HSV can cause cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth, including the corners. These lesions can appear as bumps or vesicles and are often accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, burning, or tingling.
- Fordyce spots: These are small, yellowish or white bumps that can appear on the lips, inside of the cheeks, and sometimes at the corners of the mouth. They are caused by the presence of sebaceous glands in these areas and are generally harmless.
- Perleche: This is a condition similar to angular cheilitis but is more specifically related to the accumulation of saliva and bacteria at the corners of the mouth, leading to inflammation and bumps.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Although less common, it's crucial to consider the possibility of skin cancer, especially in individuals with risk factors such as prolonged sun exposure, smoking, or immunosuppression. Early detection is key to effective treatment.
- Syphilis: The secondary stage of syphilis can manifest with mucocutaneous lesions, including at the corners of the mouth. Given the potential severity of untreated syphilis, it's essential to include this in the differential diagnosis, especially in sexually active individuals or those with other risk factors.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: This is a systemic disease that can cause granulomatous lesions in various parts of the body, including the skin and mucous membranes. While rare, it could potentially cause bumps at the corners of the mouth.
- Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: A rare neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, often unilateral, facial paralysis or weakness, swelling of the face and lips (usually the upper lip), and the development of folds and furrows in the tongue (fissured tongue). It could potentially cause swelling or bumps around the mouth area.