Non-cancerous conditions of the mouth

A non-cancerous (benign) condition of the oral cavity is a change to mouth cells, but it is not cancer. Non-cancerous conditions do not spread to other parts of the body and are not usually life-threatening.

There are many types of non-cancerous conditions of the mouth. Many of these can be described as a lesion.

An oral wart is a small round or raised oval growth. Oral warts can occur in the mouth or on the lips. They are often caused by types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts may go away on their own or may be treated with medicine applied directly to the wart or surgery (cryosurgery or electrosurgery) .

A fibroma is a round, smooth, firm lump that can occur in the mouth. They are most common in the inner linings of the cheeks (the buccal mucosa) and lips (the labial mucosa). They can be removed with surgery.

Canker sores (aphthous ulcer) are sores covered by a yellowish white membrane with a reddish ring around it. The cause of canker sores is unknown. Canker sores usually heal within two weeks. They can be treated with corticosteroids or creams applied directly to the sore.

A cold sore (herpes labialis) is an oral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It causes blisters and sores (ulcers) on the lips and the skin around the mouth. Cold sores usually heal within a week, but they may come back. Antiviral medications may be used to treat this infection.

Thrush (candidiasis) is an infection caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus (candida) that is normally found in the mouth. This infection can happen if you have a weakened immune system, use steroids for a long period of time or have a dry mouth (xerostomia). Thrush is treated with antifungal drugs.

Frictional hyperkeratosis is a whitish thickening of the mucous membrane lining the mouth (the oral mucosa) that may result from constant rubbing. It is often seen on the inside surface of the cheek, lips, tongue or gums. This condition is treated by removing the cause of friction, such as dentures, or making any rough teeth smooth.

A torus is a bony growth that can form in the roof of the mouth or in the lower jaw beside the tongue. These often don’t need treatment unless they cause problems with eating or wearing dentures.

A mucocele is a soft swelling that looks like a cyst or bubble. It usually occurs on the lower lip. Mucoceles are often caused by accidentally biting the lower lip, which damages a salivary gland and causes saliva to build up. They often go away on their own but can be removed with surgery.