An oral fibroma is a common growth presenting as a firm, smooth lump on the soft tissues inside the mouth. This benign lesion develops as a reactive response to persistent, low-level physical trauma or irritation. While finding any growth can be concerning, oral fibromas pose no risk of developing into cancer. The main concern is whether the bump causes pain and what steps are necessary for diagnosis and removal.
What Exactly Is an Oral Fibroma?
An oral fibroma is an overgrowth of connective tissue beneath the mouth’s lining, known as the oral mucosa. The lesion is composed mainly of dense, fibrous tissue, forming a localized overgrowth of scar-like material. This is a reactive hyperplasia, meaning the body creates this firm nodule as a protective response to a constant irritant.
The formation of the fibroma is directly linked to chronic trauma, such as habitual cheek or lip biting, friction from ill-fitting dentures, or rubbing against a sharp tooth edge. This repeated irritation prompts the underlying tissue to thicken and form a dome-shaped or stalk-like mass. Common locations include the inside of the cheek along the bite line, the tongue, or the gums.
Addressing the Pain Question
Oral fibromas themselves are typically painless. The core of the mass consists of dense connective tissue with few nerve endings, meaning the lump does not generate internal pain signals. Patients usually notice the fibroma due to its presence, feeling a firm, rubbery bump with their tongue or during chewing.
Discomfort or pain arises when the fibroma is subjected to secondary trauma. Because the growth protrudes from the normal tissue surface, it becomes a target for repeated accidental biting or rubbing against teeth. This constant friction can lead to inflammation, ulceration, or erosion of the fibroma’s surface, which is the actual source of the soreness and tenderness. Therefore, the pain is not inherent to the fibroma but is a consequence of its exposed location and subsequent injury.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Professional evaluation of any new oral growth is important for accurate identification. Although benign, the clinical appearance of an oral fibroma can sometimes mimic more serious conditions, including salivary gland tumors or early-stage cancers. A definitive diagnosis requires an excisional biopsy, where the entire lesion is surgically removed and sent for histopathological examination. This analysis confirms the presence of dense fibrous tissue and rules out other pathologies.
The standard treatment is complete surgical excision, a minor procedure usually performed under local anesthesia. Removal may be accomplished using a traditional scalpel or a dental laser. Surgical removal is recommended if the fibroma is large, interferes with speaking or eating, or is frequently irritated and painful. To prevent recurrence, it is necessary to eliminate the source of the original chronic irritation, such as adjusting a dental appliance or smoothing a sharp tooth edge.