Non-cancerous tumours and conditions of the mouth

A non-cancerous (benign) tumour of the mouth is a growth that does not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. A non-cancerous condition of the mouth is a change to mouth cells, but it is not cancer. Non-cancerous tumours and conditions are not usually life-threatening.

There are many types of non-cancerous tumours and conditions of the mouth.

A wart is a small round or oval growth. Oral warts can occur in the mouth or on the lips. They are caused by types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts can also spread from the hands to the mouth. Genital warts can spread to the mouth through oral sex. Warts may go away on their own or may be treated with special medicine applied directly to the wart or surgery (cryosurgery or electrosurgery).

A canker sore (aphthous ulcer) is a sore covered by a yellowish white membrane with a reddish ring around it. The exact cause of these ulcers is unknown. They tend to come back (recur) but heal quickly – usually in 1 to 2 weeks. They are often treated with corticosteroids or creams applied directly to the sore.

A cold sore (herpes labialis) is an oral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It causes a cyst or bubble-like swellings and sores (ulcers) on the oral mucous membrane and the skin around the mouth. Cold sores usually heal within a week but they may recur. Antiviral medications may be used to treat this infection.

Candida is a type of fungus that is normally found in the mouth. Sometimes an overgrowth of candida can cause an infection called thrush (candidiasis). This can happen in people who have weakened immune systems, are taking antibiotics or use steroids for long periods of time. Candidiasis is treated with antifungal drugs.

A torus is a bony growth that can form in the roof of the mouth (called torus palatinus) or in the lower jaw beside the tongue (called torus mandibularis). These often don’t require treatment unless they interfere with eating or wearing dentures.

Mucocele are soft swellings that look like cysts or bubbles and usually occur on the gums or roof of the mouth, inside the lower lip or under the tongue. They are often caused by accidentally biting the lower lip, which damages a salivary gland and causes saliva to build up. They often go away without treatment but if not they can be removed with surgery.

Fibromas are round, smooth, firm lumps that occur in the mouth. They are most common in the inner linings of the cheeks (the buccal mucosa) and lips (the labial mucosa). They can be removed with surgery.

Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that can affect the tongue, gums, mouth and skin. Oral lichen planus is associated with a small number of oral cancers. Improved mouth hygiene and local steroids are used to treat oral lichen planus.

Frictional hyperkeratosis is a whitish thickening of the inner mouth lining (mucosa) that may result from constant rubbing. It is often seen on the inside surface of the cheek, lips, tongue or gums. This condition is treated by removing the cause of friction, such as dentures, or making any rough teeth smooth.