Symptom Finder - Lip Swelling
LIP SWELLING
The mnemonic MAINTAIN will help recall the principle causes of lip swelling.
M—This letter will help to recall the diffuse swelling of the lips in myxedema and cretinism.
A—Allergy should bring to mind angioneurotic edema, urticaria, and contact dermatitis.
I—Inflammation facilitates the recall of herpes simplex, syphilis, alveolar abscess, and cellulitis.
N—Neoplasm prompts the recall of carcinoma.
T—Trauma would suggest the swelling and contusions caused by trauma, especially in victims of abuse.
A—The second letter A stands for autoimmune disorders such as Crohn disease, which may cause granulomatous cheilitis.
I—The second letter I signifies insect bites or stings.
N—The second letter N should help to recall the deformity of the lips in facial nerve palsies.
Approach to the Diagnosis
In many cases the cause will be obvious from the clinical picture. Obscure cases require x-rays of the teeth and jaw to exclude alveolar abscess, a venereal disease research laboratory test to exclude syphilis, and cultures to exclude abscess. A thyroid panel may be necessary to exclude myxedema. A therapeutic trial of antibiotics or antiviral therapy may be indicated. A referral to an oral surgeon or dermatologist will often help resolve the diagnostic dilemma.
LIP SWELLING
The mnemonic MAINTAIN will help recall the principle causes of lip swelling.
M—This letter will help to recall the diffuse swelling of the lips in myxedema and cretinism.
A—Allergy should bring to mind angioneurotic edema, urticaria, and contact dermatitis.
I—Inflammation facilitates the recall of herpes simplex, syphilis, alveolar abscess, and cellulitis.
N—Neoplasm prompts the recall of carcinoma.
T—Trauma would suggest the swelling and contusions caused by trauma, especially in victims of abuse.
A—The second letter A stands for autoimmune disorders such as Crohn disease, which may cause granulomatous cheilitis.
I—The second letter I signifies insect bites or stings.
N—The second letter N should help to recall the deformity of the lips in facial nerve palsies.
Approach to the Diagnosis
In many cases the cause will be obvious from the clinical picture. Obscure cases require x-rays of the teeth and jaw to exclude alveolar abscess, a venereal disease research laboratory test to exclude syphilis, and cultures to exclude abscess. A thyroid panel may be necessary to exclude myxedema. A therapeutic trial of antibiotics or antiviral therapy may be indicated. A referral to an oral surgeon or dermatologist will often help resolve the diagnostic dilemma.