Abnormal growths in various parts of the mouth can be worrisome, although many mouth growths are harmless. Some, however, may be signs of more serious conditions, including oral cancer. Even benign mouth growths can be uncomfortable or interfere with speaking or eating.
What causes growths in the mouth?
Many things can cause a bump or lesion in your mouth, including a canker sore or a cyst. The most common reasons for the development of a mouth growth include:
Benign tumors: Noncancerous tumors, such as fibromas or papillomas, can develop in the mouth. These growths are typically harmless but may cause discomfort or interfere with speaking or eating.
Mucoceles: These harmless, fluid-filled cysts form on the inner surface of the lips, the floor of the mouth, or under the tongue. They often result from trauma or blockage of salivary glands.
Oral thrush: A fungal infection caused by Candida albicans, oral thrush has creamy white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, and sometimes the gums and tonsils.
Oral cancer: If you see growths or sores in the mouth that don’t heal, it could be oral cancer. Risk factors for cancer in the mouth include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection and improved treatment outcomes.
Leukoplakia: White patches on the gums, cheeks, or tongue that you can’t scrape off may be leukoplakia. Even though these patches are often benign, some cases may develop into oral cancer.
Torus palatinus: These bony growths on the roof of the mouth are harmless but can be uncomfortable. Some people are born with torus palatinus, while others develop it later in life. Removal is only needed if the growth interferes with speech or swallowing.
An ENT doctor spends 4 years at college, 4 years at medical school, and then 5 to 7 years after that in a residency program specializing in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery. Our board-certified ENTs pass written and oral exams and participate in continuous education to maintain their certification. When you visit one of our Arizona locations, you can trust you're seeing one of the most qualified specialists in the region and that your care will be second to none.
When To See a Physician
If you notice a mouth growth that doesn’t go away in a week or two, you should schedule an appointment with your primary provider. Because oral cancer often doesn’t include symptoms early in the disease, you should schedule an annual mouth exam with your dentist.
Diagnosing Growths in the Mouth
Accurately diagnosing growths in the mouth is essential to ensure proper treatment. After a visual examination documenting the nature of the growth, the next step is determining if additional diagnostic tests are needed. A physician may perform a biopsy for a suspicious growth to determine if it’s benign or malignant. Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs can assess the extent of the growth.
Treating Growths in the Mouth
There are a range of treatment options, with the best approach depending on the diagnosed cause of the growth.
Watchful waiting: If the growth is benign, your doctor may recommend monitoring the lesion over time rather than pursuing immediate treatment.
Medication: Your physician may prescribe antifungal medications to treat infections such as oral thrush. In some cases, topical corticosteroids can reduce inflammation.
Laser therapy: Laser technology can remove some growths, offering precise treatment with minimal bleeding and faster healing.
Surgical removal: Benign growths often can be removed under local anesthesia. This is often the treatment approach for fibromas, mucoceles, and some cases of leukoplakia.
Oral cancer treatment may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the stage and location of the cancer.
Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Please bring a list of medications you're currently taking and any pertinent test results—such as labs or imaging—to your appointment. Additionally, let your provider know of any drug allergies or medical conditions you have or for which you are being treated and if you've had any prior surgical procedures.
Visit Our ENT Specialists
Even though mouth growths can be concerning, most are benign and easily treatable. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes, especially in cases of oral cancer. If you’re concerned about an abnormal growth in your mouth, consult an ENT specialist at Valley ENT to explore the best management options for your specific situation.