Non-cancerous tumours and conditions of the oropharynx

A non-cancerous (benign) tumour of the oropharynx is a growth that does not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Non-cancerous tumours are not usually life-threatening. They are typically removed with surgery and do not usually come back (recur).

The following are some types of non-cancerous oropharyngeal tumours.

• A papilloma is a smooth lump or wart-like growth.
• A benign tumour of the minor salivary glands is a growth that develops in the minor salivary glands. These glands are on the inner surface of the pharynx (throat).
• A hemangioma is a growth made up of dilated (enlarged or widened) blood vessels.
• A lymphangioma is a growth made up of dilated lymph vessels.
• A lipoma is a growth made up of fat cells.
• A fibroma is a growth that starts in the tissue that surrounds and supports various organs in the body (called fibrous connective tissue).
• A neuroma is a growth that starts in nerve cells (neurons).

A non-cancerous condition of the oropharynx is a change to oropharyngeal cells, but it is not cancer. Non-cancerous conditions do not spread to other parts of the body and are not usually life-threatening.

A retention cyst is the most common type of non-cancerous condition in the oropharynx. It is a sac filled with fluid or semi-solid material. It may start from a blocked mucous gland in the pharyngeal wall. Large retention cysts are sometimes treated with surgery.