lump inside (not on) tongue

[pinkbubbles79]

Good morning!  I have a question regarding a small lump which is inside my tongue.  A few times per year I get the irritated bumps on top of my tongue (when I eat really acidic foods) but this is not what I'm referring to.  I developed a bad sinus infection during the last week of November.  I sought treatment and began antibiotics December 3rd.  On the evening of December 4th my tongue suddenly hurt as if I had one of those "acid bumps".  I looked in the mirror and finally detected a lump within my tongue.  It isn't visible from the top or bottom really.  The only way I can tell it's there is by feeling it with my fingers or trapping it between my top and bottom teeth.  I looked online and wish I hadn't.  I'm calling for a dental appointment today but in the meantime does anyone have any idea what this could be besides cancer?  It seems strange it popped up during a very severe sinus infection so I'm hoping there is some correlation there.  Plus I would hope the fact that it showed up out of nowhere would be less likely to be cancer vs something something slow growing.      

[pinkbubbles79]

Thank you for your response.  The lump began getting smaller late last week and is now completely gone!  I have a routine dental appointment today and will advise my dentist that the bump was there.

[Arti Sharma, M.D.]

Hello,
A clinical examination is necessary for confirming the exact cause of your symptoms. The exact cause cannot be confirmed on the basis of a picture. Bump on the side of tongue can be due to constant irritation of the fungiform papillae. Small bumps can be caused by oral herpes simplex virus complex, allergic reactions, early stage syphilis, canker sores, bacterial infections or tuberculosis. Immune disorders can also cause tongue bumps. Mouth cancer can cause a lump or area of thickened skin on the side of your tongue. A clinical examination is must. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Seek second opinion if the symptoms are severe or persistent. Keep me posted.
Best luck and regards!