Bluish lesion on tongue

I went to dentist for a regular cleaning and dentist was more concerned about a blueish bump on my tongue and sent a referral to an oral surgeon. I have never heard of anything like this! Anyone else have experienced something similar?

Hello @grannyb74 Part of a routine cleaning and exam at a dental office includes a thorough look-see of the all the oral tissue to check for potential signs of infection, or changes in health that may impact the oral tissue such as diabetes and a check for oral cancer.

The bluish lesion on your tongue caught the eye of your dentist as being out of the ordinary. It may be nothing more than an injury from biting your tongue. But to be on the safe side they are sending to an oral surgeon for evaluation. The oral surgeon may take a biopsy of the lesion just to make sure it’s not an area of concern.

Had you noticed this area yourself? If so, how long have you had it?

I did not know it was there but now that I know, I can see the bluish spot and can feel there is a little lump.

Because this little spot is new since your last dental exam, your dentist just wants to make sure it’s not an area of concern. That’s why there’s a referral to an oral surgeon for a 2nd opinion and a possible biopsy of the tissue.
Most of the time these things turn out to be nothing but it’s just better to make sure.
Did you schedule the appointment?

Yes, the oral surgeon’s office called me the following day to set up an
appointment!

What are the possible causes of this bump?

Hi @grannyb74, Similar to every other part of our body as we age and get lumps, bumps and blemishes…tissue can change in the mouth as well. When something new appears on our skin that’s a little outside of the norm, our primary care physician will send us to a dermatologist for evaluation because it’s beyond the PCP’s area of expertise. Your dentist is referring you to an oral surgeon for the same reason for the little spot on your tongue.

I’m not trying to pass the buck, but speculating on the possible causes of the bump isn’t helpful and it’s the reason your dentist is sending you to a specialist for their professional opinion. I’ve worked in the dental field for my entire career and most of the time, these things turn out benign. But it’s important to know for sure! ☺️

Will you let me know what you find out please?

Thank you…. You comments are much appreciated, especially coming from
someone who works the field of dentistry! My appt is on April 11 because
we are going on holiday first. I’m new on this site so I hope I’ll know
how to let you know’.
On Sun, Mar 16, 2025 at 8:45 AM Mayo Clinic Connect < nf+99b56b1b+42423165@n1.hubapplication.com> wrote:

> ## reply above this line ##
>
>
> Mayo Clinic Connect
> @loribmt
> < https://connect.mayoclinic.org/member/00-dd587525e1dabcee205942/?utm_source=connect.mayoclinic.org&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mention&utm_content=mention_intro_userlink&gt;
> mentioned you in comment on Sun, Mar 16.
>
> *Message*
> Hi @grannyb74, Similar to every other part of our body as we age and get
> lumps, bumps and blemishes…tissue can change in the mouth as well. When
> something new appears on our skin that’s a little outside of the norm, our
> primary care physician will send us to a dermatologist for evaluation
> because it’s beyond the PCP’s area of expertise. Your dentist is referring
> you to an oral surgeon for the same reason for the little spot on your
> tongue.
>
> I’m not trying to pass the buck, but speculating on the possible causes of
> the bump isn’t helpful and it’s the reason your dentist is sending you to a
> specialist for their professional opinion. I’ve worked in the dental field
> for my entire career and most of the time, these things turn out benign.
> But it’s important to know for sure! ☺️
>
> Will you let me know what you find out please?
> VIEW & REPLY
> < https://connect.mayoclinic.org/notification/42423165/?redirect_to=30ea0d2f36bb77eea1f7%3Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fconnect.mayoclinic.org%2Fcomment%2F1259190%2F&utm_source=connect.mayoclinic.org&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mention&utm_content=view_button&gt;
> ------------------------------
> Unsubscribe
> < https://connect.mayoclinic.org/email/unsubscribe/email-setting/?token=de0291be8d7e96bd8987c3226c5a616fa0763c269214961098dc9254eaf7efd5_67d5d2fbf043b&utm_source=connect.mayoclinic.org&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mention&utm_content=unsubscribe&gt;
> from this content and see links to review my email settings.
>

Good morning, @grannyb74. I just wanted to check in with you before your appointment tomorrow with the oral surgeon. Wishing you only good news. ☺️
Did you have a good vacation?