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7439355 
Journal Article 
The Lips, Mouth, Tongue and Teeth: Part II 
Sheikh, O; Perry, M; , 
2021 
Springer International Publishing 
Cham 
Diseases and Injuries to the Head, Face and Neck 
1085-1168 
Swelling refers to an abnormal, generalised enlargement of a part of the body, often due to the accumulation of fluid. They are usually obvious, being diffuse or localised, soft or firm, tender or non-tender and acute or chronic. It is important to identify the chronicity of any swelling and to determine whether it primarily involves the soft tissues or the underlying bones. Patients presenting with swelling of the lips should always be checked for simultaneous swelling intraorally, notably in the tongue, floor of the mouth and the throat. If swelling if advanced and involves these sites, the patient should be assessed further regarding their swallowing, speech and breathing. In severe infection, such as Ludwig’s Angina, potentially life-threatening swelling can occur rapidly over a few hours. By way of contrast, a lump is usually smaller and more discrete. It can be soft tissue or bony in nature. These can occur anywhere in the mouth. Recent onset of pain and increased growth in any lump or swelling suggests the possibility of infection or malignancy.