What is a benign tumor in the mouth?

A non-cancerous (benign) tumour of the mouth is a growth that does not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. A non-cancerous condition of the mouth is a change to mouth cells, but it is not cancer. Non-cancerous tumours and conditions are not usually life-threatening.

Are mouth tumors usually benign?

Key Points. Most oral growths are benign. Warts, candidal infections, and repeated trauma are common causes of benign growths. Use of alcohol and tobacco and oral HPV infection are risk factors for cancer.

What is the most common benign tumor of the oral cavity?

The fibroma is the most frequent benign tumor of the oral cavity.

What is the most common oral tumor?

More than 90% of oral and oropharyngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinoma. This means that they begin in the flat, squamous cells found in the lining of the mouth and throat. The most common locations for cancer in the oral cavity are: Tongue.

What’s the difference between a benign and a malignant tumor?

A benign tumor has distinct, smooth, regular borders. A malignant tumor has irregular borders and grows faster than a benign tumor. A malignant tumor can also spread to other parts of your body. A benign tumor can become quite large, but it will not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of your body.

Are all mouth growths cancerous?

Most mouth growths are noncancerous. Warts, yeast infections, and repeated trauma (such as biting or rubbing against a sharp tooth edge) are common causes of noncancerous growths. Use of alcohol and tobacco and oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are risk factors for oral cancer.

Are oral fibromas benign?

An oral fibroma is a common benign scar-like reaction to persistent long-standing irritation in the mouth. It is also known as a traumatic fibroma, focal intraoral fibrous hyperplasia, fibrous nodule or oral polyp.

What kind of cancers are in the mouth?

Almost all of the cancers in the oral cavity and oropharynx are squamous cell carcinomas, also called squamous cell cancers. These cancers start in squamous cells, which are flat, thin cells that form the lining of the mouth and throat.

Do benign tumors need to be removed?

In many cases, benign tumors need no treatment. Doctors may simply use “watchful waiting” to make sure they cause no problems. But treatment may be needed if symptoms are a problem. Surgery is a common type of treatment for benign tumors.