Lumps, thickening, or growth inside the mouth

A lump or thickening in the mouth can occur with a minor injury. The injury may have been minor enough that you didn't even notice it. If this is the case, the lump or thickening will go away in a few days.

Irritation, such as a jagged tooth, poorly fitting dentures, or chewing (spit) or smoking tobacco, may also cause a lump or thickening to form. If the source of irritation is removed, the symptoms may go away. If the source of the irritation continues, it can lead to oral cancer. Early detection is important for successful treatment.

Any growth in the mouth that does not go away within 2 weeks should be evaluated by your health professional. Persistent growths may need to be biopsied.

Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA	Last Updated: December 1, 2006
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
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