A bump on the inside of your cheek can be concerning. While many oral growths are benign and resolve on their own, some may indicate a more significant issue. This article provides general information on common and less common causes of inner cheek bumps and highlights signs that warrant professional medical attention. This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for a consultation with a healthcare provider.
Frequent Causes of Inner Cheek Bumps
A traumatic fibroma is a common type of inner cheek bump. This smooth, often painless lump typically develops from repeated irritation or injury, such as accidental biting, friction from a sharp tooth, or rubbing from dental appliances. These growths are essentially scar tissue formed in response to chronic trauma and are generally harmless. They can be the same color as surrounding oral tissue or appear paler.
Mucoceles, also known as mucous cysts, are another frequent cause. This soft, fluid-filled bump occurs when a salivary gland duct becomes blocked or damaged, causing saliva to accumulate under the tissue. They often appear after minor trauma, like lip or cheek biting. Mucoceles are usually painless, often appear clear or bluish, and sometimes rupture on their own, only to reappear.
Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, can also feel like a bump due to surrounding swelling, though they are ulcers rather than solid growths. These painful sores typically have a white or yellowish center with a red border and can appear on the inner cheeks, lips, or tongue. Triggers include stress, certain foods, and minor injuries from dental work or accidental biting.
A lipoma is a benign fatty tumor that can develop in the inner cheek. These are generally soft, movable, and slow-growing lumps that are typically painless. While less common in the cheek, they are a non-cancerous accumulation of fat cells.
Herpes simplex virus can also manifest as small, painful blisters inside the mouth, including on the inner cheek. These blisters can feel like bumps and may be accompanied by tingling, itching, or burning sensations before they appear. They often break open and crust over, typically healing within one to two weeks.
Signs That Warrant a Doctor’s Visit
While many cheek bumps are harmless, certain signs warrant professional medical evaluation. A bump that persists for more than one to two weeks should be examined by a healthcare provider. Any bump that grows rapidly, changes in size, or alters its appearance over a short period also warrants prompt attention.
Increasing or radiating pain associated with the bump is a concerning symptom. Seek medical advice if the bump bleeds or oozes, or if you experience changes in sensation like numbness or tingling. Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking due to the bump also suggests a need for evaluation.
Additional symptoms that should prompt a doctor’s visit include fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, or unexplained weight loss. A bump that feels firm, fixed in place, or has an irregular shape, rather than being soft and movable, should also be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Less Common or More Serious Possibilities
Some inner cheek bumps can point to more serious conditions requiring timely diagnosis and treatment. Oral cancer is a serious possibility, though less common than benign causes. Risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Early signs can include a persistent ulcer, red or white patches, or a lump inside the cheek tissue.
Benign salivary gland tumors can also manifest as a lump in the cheek. Major salivary glands are located in this area and can develop non-cancerous and, less commonly, cancerous growths. Most benign salivary gland tumors are slow-growing but can gradually increase in size.
Other rare conditions that might present as an inner cheek bump include certain infections. Oral candidiasis, commonly known as thrush, appears as raised, creamy white patches on the inner cheeks. This fungal infection often occurs in individuals with weakened immune systems or those taking certain medications.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office
When visiting a doctor or dentist for an inner cheek bump, the appointment typically begins with a thorough examination. The healthcare provider will visually inspect your mouth and palpate (feel) the bump and surrounding tissues to assess its size, consistency, and mobility. They will also check for any associated symptoms in your neck or jaw.
Based on the initial examination, the doctor may recommend further diagnostic tools. A biopsy is a common next step, where a small tissue sample from the bump is removed and sent to a laboratory for microscopic analysis to determine its nature. In some cases, imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI might be used to get a clearer picture of the bump and its extent.
Treatment approaches depend entirely on the diagnosis. For benign conditions, management might range from observation, medication for infections or inflammation, or minor in-office procedures for removal. More serious conditions, such as cancerous growths, may require extensive treatment, including surgical removal, radiation therapy, or other specialized interventions. A professional diagnosis guides the appropriate course of action.