Finding an unusual bump or growth in the mouth can be concerning. While unsettling, many causes are not harmful. This article provides general information about common and less common reasons for oral lumps, aiming to offer clarity.
Common Oral Lumps and Bumps
A frequent type of oral lump is a mucocele, a fluid-filled sac often found on the inner lip, gums, or floor of the mouth. These develop when a minor salivary gland duct becomes blocked or damaged, leading to mucus leakage. Mucoceles are usually painless and can appear suddenly, sometimes resolving on their own. A ranula is a larger mucocele on the floor of the mouth, sometimes interfering with speaking or swallowing.
Fibromas are common, benign oral growths that are firm, smooth, and painless. They often result from chronic irritation or trauma, such as cheek biting or ill-fitting dental appliances. These growths are commonly located on the inner cheek, tongue, or gums. Fibromas typically do not become cancerous.
Canker sores are small, painful sores with a white or yellowish center and a red border. They can appear on the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums. Triggers include stress, minor injuries, certain foods, or some toothpaste ingredients. Canker sores are not contagious and usually heal on their own within one to two weeks.
Tori, including torus palatinus and torus mandibularis, are bony growths considered normal anatomical variations. Torus palatinus is a hard, painless protrusion on the roof of the mouth, while torus mandibularis appears on the inner side of the lower jaw. These growths are typically harmless and do not require treatment unless they interfere with dental prosthetics or speech.
Papillomas are small, often cauliflower-like growths in the mouth. These lesions are frequently associated with certain HPV infections. While generally painless, they can appear on the tongue, lips, and soft palate. Most oral papillomas are benign, but some HPV strains are linked to oral cancers.
A “ball” felt under the jaw or in the neck might be a swollen lymph node. Lymph nodes are small immune glands. They commonly swell in response to an infection in the head or neck, such as a sore throat, ear infection, or a dental abscess. Swollen lymph nodes often feel tender and indicate the body is fighting an infection.
Less Common and Concerning Lumps
Salivary gland stones, known as sialolithiasis, are calcified deposits that can form within the salivary glands or their ducts. These stones can obstruct saliva flow, leading to pain and swelling, particularly noticeable during or after meals. The submandibular gland, located under the jaw, is the most common site for these stones. While many small stones may pass on their own, larger ones might require intervention.
Various types of oral cysts appear as lumps. Cysts are sacs of tissue that contain fluid or semi-solid material, forming in soft tissues or within the jawbone. Some, like periapical cysts, are associated with a tooth root due to infection or trauma. Others, such as dentigerous cysts, form around an unerupted tooth. While often asymptomatic, cysts can cause swelling and pain if infected or large enough to affect structures.
Abscesses are localized collections of pus, typically caused by bacterial infections. In the mouth, a dental abscess can form at the root of a tooth or in the gums due to decay, gum disease, or trauma. These are often characterized by significant pain, swelling, and sometimes a foul taste or discharge. A dental abscess is a serious condition requiring prompt professional attention to prevent the infection from spreading.
Oral cancer appears as persistent, non-healing lumps or sores. These can appear on the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, or the roof or floor of the mouth. Unlike benign growths, cancerous lesions may initially be painless, making early detection more challenging. Symptoms that warrant concern include non-healing sores, red or white patches, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained bleeding. Tobacco, alcohol, and certain HPV infections are associated risk factors.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Seek professional evaluation for any persistent oral lump. If a lump lasts for more than two to three weeks, it warrants examination by a dentist or doctor. Rapid growth or a noticeable change in an oral lump’s appearance should prompt immediate medical attention.
Lumps accompanied by severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems require urgent assessment. Any oral lump that bleeds easily, or if new red or white patches appear alongside it, should be evaluated promptly.
Associated symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, or swollen lymph nodes elsewhere in the body also indicate a need for professional consultation. Any oral lump that causes significant concern, discomfort, or interferes with daily functions should be brought to the attention of a healthcare provider.
What to Expect at the Dentist
During an appointment for an oral lump, a dentist will typically begin with a thorough visual and physical examination of the mouth, neck, and jaw. This includes carefully feeling the lump and surrounding tissues to assess its size, texture, and mobility. The dentist will also ask about the lump’s history, including when it first appeared, how it has changed, and any associated symptoms or habits.
Imaging
Depending on the nature of the lump, the dentist may recommend diagnostic imaging. X-rays, CT scans, or MRI may be used to gain a deeper understanding of the lump’s size, depth, and involvement with underlying structures, such as bone or teeth. These imaging techniques help differentiate between various types of oral growths.
Biopsy
For suspicious lesions, a biopsy is often performed. This involves taking a small tissue sample from the lump for laboratory analysis, which is the most definitive way to diagnose many conditions, including infections, benign growths, or cancer. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, with the sample sent to a pathologist for microscopic examination.
Treatment Options
Treatment options vary based on the diagnosis. For benign conditions, observation may be sufficient, or medication might be prescribed for infections. Surgical removal is a common treatment for persistent or problematic lumps like mucoceles, fibromas, or cancerous lesions. In some cases, the dentist may refer to a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or an ear, nose, and throat doctor, for further management.