Lesions and lumps often appear in the mouth, but many of them are benign. While some may need to be removed, many don’t require any treatment at all.

Benign oral cavity tumors are essentially noncancerous lesions in the mouth. This means that they do not metastasize and spread to other parts of the body, as cancer would do.

One of the most common places for a benign lesion to appear is the lower lip. They can also emerge on the inner lining of your cheeks, the area known as buccal mucosa, and the areas where your cheeks and lips, as well as your teeth and gums, come together.

Read on to learn more about benign oral cavity tumors.

A number of different kinds of benign growths or noncancerous tumors or lesions can grow in the mouth. There are various types, including the following:

Fibromas

Fibromas are small, smooth, round growths that are typically the same color as the rest of the tissues inside the mouth. They often develop as a result of trauma or chronic mouth irritation.

Traumatic fibromas are the most common benign oral lesion.

Mucoceles

Mucoceles are soft, swollen growths that appear inside the mouth. They happen when a salivary gland gets damaged, and saliva gets backed up, forming a cyst.

Additionally, they can develop as a result of trauma, such as biting your lip.

Odontogenic tumors

Abnormal growths that develop in and around the jaw or teeth are known as odontogenic tumors. They can vary in size and are typically benign, but in some cases, they can be malignant.

One type is the ameloblastoma, a type of rare tumor that originates in the enamel coating of the teeth, usually near the molars. In some cases, it can grow into the jawbone. While these are typically benign, they can also be malignant.

Salivary gland tumors

Salivary gland tumors, which are tumors that can develop in any of the salivary glands, are typically benign. However, they can be cancerous.

Torus

A torus is a bony growth that tends to develop on the lower jaw under the tongue. You might have one or several at the same time, and they can develop on one or both sides of the mouth.

Warts

Also known as an oral papilloma, a wart can occur inside the mouth. They can develop on the tongue, gums, back of the throat, and even on the tonsils. They usually don’t cause any pain or symptoms.

Other kinds of noncancerous growths in the mouth

Other types of noncancerous growths include:

The symptoms can vary depending on what type of lesions or tumor you have. For example, if you develop a painful lump or swelling in your jaw, it could be a sign of a more serious condition.

Sometimes you won’t experience any symptoms with some tumors or lesions.

However, if you do notice any pain, swelling, numbness, or symptoms such as trouble opening your jaw or trouble swallowing, you should contact your doctor. They may want to make sure a case of a benign tumor isn’t a more serious condition.

A doctor or dentist will likely start with a medical history and physical examination. They may ask you if you’ve recently been sick or taken any medication, and they’ll ask when you first noticed symptoms or the appearance of the tumor or growth.

Depending on factors such as the appearance of the tumor and the length of time that you’ve had it, they may suggest a biopsy to rule out cancer. The most common type of oral cancer is oral squamous cell carcinoma, which tends to look like an ulcer that won’t heal.

The treatment for benign oral tumors varies depending on the type. Some kinds can be removed with cryotherapy, laser removal, or surgical excision.

For example, your dentist could potentially use cryotherapy or laser therapy to remove a fibroma on your lower lip. Many dentists prefer to use these types of methods when possible over traditional surgical removal because they minimize bleeding and scarring. It also eliminates the need for stitches or sutures.

A bony growth, like a torus, typically doesn’t require treatment. However, you may need surgical removal in some cases.

With many benign tumors, once they’re removed, you shouldn’t have to worry about them. Some benign growths or tumors, like mucoceles, will even go away on their own.

However, your doctor may want to be watchful if you are diagnosed with conditions like salivary gland tumors. Some conditions may occasionally become cancerous.

If you develop a tumor or have a lesion in your mouth that doesn’t seem to be healing, or if it stays red or white, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor.

Some experts recommend that you seek an evaluation for any ulcer or lesion that’s lasted for more than 2 weeks.

It is important not to ignore a growth in your mouth or dismiss it as nothing to worry about. It may indeed be a benign tumor or lesion.

Sometimes, benign tumors can closely resemble cancerous tumors, so it’s better to know for sure what you have. It’s a good idea to consult your doctor or dentist and ask for an evaluation.