What is the cause of a swollen lip with pain and tingling sensation (paresthesia) persisting for 2 weeks?

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Differential Diagnosis for Swollen Lip with Pain and Tingling

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infection: This is the most likely diagnosis given the symptoms of a swollen lip with pain and tingling. HSV infections are common and can cause these symptoms, especially if the patient has a history of cold sores or fever blisters.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Angular Cheilitis: This condition causes inflammation of the corners of the mouth and can lead to swelling, pain, and tingling. It's often associated with fungal or bacterial infections.
  • Trauma or Injury: A physical injury to the lip can cause swelling, pain, and tingling, especially if the injury is recent.
  • Allergic Reaction: An allergic reaction to a food, cosmetic, or other substance can cause lip swelling, pain, and tingling.
  • Dental Problems: Issues like a tooth abscess or gum infection can radiate pain to the lip and cause swelling and tingling.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Lymphoma or Other Cancers: Although rare, cancers like lymphoma can cause swelling and pain in the lip. It's crucial to consider this possibility, especially if the swelling is persistent and unexplained.
  • Neurological Conditions: Conditions like trigeminal neuralgia can cause severe pain and tingling in the face, including the lip.
  • Infections like Cellulitis or Abscess: Bacterial infections can cause severe swelling, pain, and tingling, and require prompt antibiotic treatment.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Sarcoidosis: This autoimmune disease can cause swelling and pain in various parts of the body, including the lips.
  • Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: A rare neurological disorder that can cause facial swelling, including lip swelling, along with other symptoms like facial paralysis and difficulty speaking.
  • Cheilitis Granulomatosa: A rare condition that causes chronic swelling of the lips, often accompanied by pain and tingling.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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