Oral fibromas are common, benign growths found in the mouth, often causing concern due to their appearance. These non-cancerous lumps are a frequent finding during dental examinations, affecting an estimated 1-2% of adults. They are generally harmless and represent the body’s natural response to localized irritation or trauma within the oral cavity.
What an Oral Fibroma Is
An oral fibroma is a firm, smooth mass of fibrous, connective tissue. It typically presents as a dome-shaped papule or nodule, though some may be attached by a stalk-like base. Its color usually matches the surrounding oral lining, appearing pink or gum-like, but can also be paler, dark red, or whitish if recently injured. These growths are generally firm to the touch, distinguishing them from softer, fluid-filled lesions.
Oral fibromas vary in size, commonly ranging from a few millimeters to about 1 centimeter in diameter, though they can occasionally grow larger. They can develop anywhere inside the mouth where irritation is common, with frequent locations including the inner cheek along the bite line, the sides of the tongue, the lips, and the gums. They rarely cause symptoms unless repeatedly irritated.
Why Oral Fibromas Develop
Oral fibromas primarily develop as a reactive response to chronic irritation or trauma. This persistent stimulation triggers the body to produce an excess of fibrous tissue, leading to the formation of the growth. The term “irritation fibroma” or “traumatic fibroma” highlights this direct link between their development and ongoing physical stress.
Common sources of this irritation include habitual actions such as biting the inside of the cheek or lip. Other contributing factors can be ill-fitting dental appliances, like dentures, that rub against the oral tissues. Rough or sharp edges on teeth or dental restorations can cause continuous friction, prompting the body’s protective tissue response and the eventual formation of a fibroma.
Identifying and Addressing Oral Fibromas
Discovering a lump in the mouth warrants professional evaluation. A dental professional or oral surgeon can typically diagnose an oral fibroma through a clinical examination, assessing its size, texture, and location. However, because some oral conditions can mimic fibromas, a biopsy is often recommended. This involves removing a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis to confirm the benign nature of the growth and rule out other serious conditions.
Oral fibromas are typically benign and do not turn into cancer. Treatment is not always necessary if the fibroma causes no discomfort or interference with daily activities. However, if the fibroma is bothersome, interferes with oral function, or is a cosmetic concern, surgical removal is a common solution.
The removal procedure is typically a simple surgical excision performed in an outpatient setting, often under local anesthesia. The dentist or oral surgeon will remove the growth entirely. Sutures may not be required, and laser removal is also an option that minimizes bleeding and eliminates the need for stitches. Recovery is generally quick, with minimal discomfort, and patients can resume normal activities soon after. Preventing recurrence involves identifying and eliminating the source of irritation, such as adjusting dental appliances or addressing habits like cheek biting.