Red Bump with Small Spots on the Roof of the Mouth
Subject: 30-year-old Assigned Male at Birth (AMAB) transfeminine individual. I have been on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for about 11 years and have not undergone any gender-affirming surgeries. My height is 6 feet 1 inch, and I weigh 165 pounds. I identify as white. My lifestyle choices include non-smoking and I consume alcohol infrequently (approximately three drinks per month, with a maximum of two at a time). I do not use recreational drugs. My current pharmaceutical regimen includes: - Spironolactone 100 mg, two tablets daily - Progesterone 100 mg, one tablet daily - Estradiol Valerate 20 mg/ml, administered via intramuscular injection at 0.2 ml once a week - Bupropion XL 300 mg, one tablet daily (to manage depression and ADHD) - Buspirone 60 mg, one tablet daily (for anxiety treatment) - Hydroxyzine 25 mg, one tablet daily (for sleep issues) - Famotidine 40 mg, two tablets daily (to address acid reflux and GERD) Recently, I discovered a firm yet not overly hard bump on the roof of my mouth, likely located on the minor salivary glands. It is tender to the touch and situated at approximately the same depth as my second molars. Upon inspecting this area using my phone's macro feature, I observed that the bump has a slight redness. Additionally, both the bump and a matching location on the opposite side of my hard palate display numerous small dark spots, although they are more prominent on the side with the bump. I believe this is a recent occurrence since the bump is quite noticeable, and I would have picked up on it earlier had it been there for long. I do not recall sustaining any injuries to this section, though I have a tendency to accidentally injure myself and forget about it shortly thereafter. For the last four days, I've also experienced mild illness symptoms, including a sore throat and some nasal congestion. I am curious if there are any likely conditions that could explain the presence of this bump and the accompanying dark spots. Would it be advisable for me to consult with a healthcare professional, and if so, what type should I see?
Answers (1)
9/2/2025, 8:40:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
The presence of a firm bump on the roof of your mouth, especially paired with soreness and dark spots, could suggest a few conditions related to your oral health. Given your recent mild illness symptoms, it’s possible that this bump may be related to irritation resulting from viral infections, such as a cold or flu, or it could be an inflammatory response from another cause.
Explanation:
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Bump Characteristics: The firm nature and tenderness may indicate an enlarged minor salivary gland or a mucous cyst (mucocele). The slight redness and dark spots warrant evaluation; they might be associated with irritation or an infection, particularly if you’ve been experiencing other respiratory symptoms.
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Mild Illness Symptoms: Your sore throat and nasal congestion could indicate a viral infection, possibly leading to changes in the tissue of your mouth or throat. The bump could simply be an inflammatory response due to recent illness.
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Self-Assessment: Regular injuries to your oral cavity, even mild ones, can lead to local irritation or infection, which may also explain changes in this area.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the bump and any changes over the next few days. Note any increase in size, changes in color, or new symptoms, such as pain or difficulty swallowing.
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Maintain Oral Hygiene: Continue to practice good oral hygiene but avoid irritating the area further. Use a soft toothbrush and gentle mouthwash to keep the area clean.
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Warm Saltwater Rinse: Consider rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day to help soothe the area.
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Consult a Healthcare Professional: Given the persistence of the bump and the accompanying symptoms, it would be advisable to consult with an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) or a dentist who has experience with oral lesions. They can perform a thorough examination and determine if further evaluation is necessary or if a biopsy is warranted.
If you notice any worsening symptoms such as severe pain, difficulty breathing, or spreading redness, seek medical attention sooner.
Remember, while it’s understandable to be concerned, many oral bumps are benign and resolve on their own. Let me know if you need further guidance or have any questions!
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