Characteristics of a Melanotic Macule
Dark spots that appear on your mouth or lips have several causes. By far, the most common cause is known as a melanotic macule or non-cancerous hyperpigmentation of a mucous membrane. This occurs when one of your mucous membranes produces more pigment (melanin) than typical.
Your lesion may have a similar appearance to a freckle on your lip or mouth. Sometimes they appear on their own (solitary) or in groups. If this condition occurs in your mouth, it’s known as an oral melanotic macule, whereas on your lip, it’s known as a labial melanotic macule.
It’s challenging to self-diagnose the underlying cause of your melanotic macules or even to rule out other potential conditions. According to the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice, melanotic macules account for 86.1% of oral lesions that involve melanin.
Pigmentation around your mouth may be melanotic macules, but may also be the result of:
- Inherited pigmentation
- Hormonal fluctuations, imbalance, or dysfunction
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
- Traumatic injury to the affected area
- Oral cancer
- Hereditary disorders, including hemochromatosis
- Smoking or the use of tobacco products
- Amalgam tattoo (pigment from materials produced outside of your body)