Benign tumors of the oral cavity are atypical formations of noncancerous cells that grow in the mouth. They can look like sores or lumps, and they typically develop slowly.

Benign oral tumors are noncancerous growths that do not spread to other body areas. They may occur when a group of cells in the mouth multiply quicker or do not die over time. Benign tumors are usually painless, soft, and slow-growing.

Some benign oral tumors include growths such as canker sores, fibromas, warts, mucoceles, and cold sores. These can cause lumps and atypical formations in the mouth that may produce various symptoms but are not, in general, life threatening like cancer. Still, anyone who spots a new lump or formation in their mouth should consider speaking with a doctor.

This article will review the benign tumors that can develop in the oral cavity, their causes, and how doctors treat them.

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Benign tumors of the oral cavity are growths that can develop in the mouth when certain groups of cells do not function correctly. These cells are noncancerous, and while they may cause some symptoms and health issues, they are not likely to be life threatening.

Benign tumors can assume different shapes and forms depending on the type of tumor and its location. They look like soft lumps that do not cause pain when touched. Doctors often treat oral benign tumors with surgery since they are unlikely to come back after their removal.

Some common benign oral tumors may include:

  • warts
  • cold sores
  • thrush
  • canker sores
  • mucocele
  • fibroma
  • lichen planus
  • frictional hyperkeratosis

Learn more about benign tumors.

Oral warts, also known as oral papilloma, are noncancerous growths that can develop in the mouth, especially on the tongue, back of the throat, tonsils, or gums. They may appear as white or pink bumps and can assume different sizes.

Oral warts are more common in adults and do not usually cause harm or symptoms. In most cases, these bumps are painless and may result from a chronic infection, such as human papillomavirus (HPV). Oral warts may also indicate an inherited condition called Cowden syndrome. However, this is rare.

The warts may go away on their own. However, if a person has concerns about their appearance, doctors can prescribe medications or remove them with surgery, particularly cryosurgery or electrosurgery.

Learn more about warts.

Cold sores, also known as herpes labialis, are an oral infection linked to the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Cold sores look like cysts or bubble-like ulcers in the skin around the mouth or on the oral mucosa. Cold sores usually go away within 14 days without leaving a scar, but they can recur.

Cold sores can heal independently, but doctors may prescribe antiviral medication to speed their recovery. However, antiviral drugs are only helpful if used in the early development stages of the sores.

Learn more about cold sores.

Thrush, or candidiasis, is a fungal infection. It develops when a fungus called candida, which normally lives in the mouth, overgrows, causing the infection. Thrush can cause raised lesions in the mouth, similar to cottage cheese lumps.

Thrush is more common in people with a weakened immune system, such as individuals taking antibiotics or corticosteroid drugs for an extended period.

Doctors prescribe antifungal medication to treat thrush.

Learn more about thrush.

Canker sores, also known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis ulcers, appear like yellowish or white membranes with a red ring around their edges. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that involves the oral mucosa, which can cause the development of canker sores.

Canker sores can recur, and their exact cause is currently unknown. However, they heal in a few weeks through treatment with corticosteroid ointments or topical creams.

Learn more about canker sores.

Mucoceles are soft, cyst-like bumps that develop on the roof of the mouth, under the tongue, on the gums, or under the lower lip. These may develop when a person mistakenly bites their lower lip, injuring the salivary gland and causing a buildup of saliva.

A mucocele usually goes away without treatment, but a doctor can surgically remove it if it persists.

Fibromas look like firm, round lumps and can occur anywhere in the mouth. If they cause discomfort or other symptoms that may disrupt speaking or eating. Doctors can perform surgery to remove them.

Oral lichen planus is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune condition involving the mouth, tongue, and gums. It affects 1% to 2% of the population worldwide and presents with white papules that spread across the mucosa and form a reticular pattern.

A combination of topical corticosteroid medications and good oral hygiene practices, including the regular use of antiseptic mouthwash, can help treat lichen planus.

Frictional hyperkeratosis consists of thickening of the oral mucosa, the inner lining of the mouth. Due to constant rubbing, this may develop on the surface of the tongue, lips, gums, or cheeks. To treat this condition, doctors determine and address the cause of the friction, which could be dentures or abrasive and rough surfaces on the teeth.

Benign tumors in the oral cavity are common. They are generally harmless and do not cause symptoms. While certain benign growths, such as canker sores and mucoceles, go away without treatment, other growths may require medical treatment or surgical removal.

If a person notices any changes in their mouth or new lumps, they should consider speaking to a doctor to determine the nature of the formations.