MOUTH OR TONGUE TUMOR, BENIGN

 Basic information

description

Benign mouth and tongue tumors usually occur alone and grow very slowly over a period of 2 to 6 years. Benign means they are not cancerous. They are unlikely to spread to other body parts. They can involve the lips, gums, roof or floor of the mouth, or tongue.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• A lump in any part of the mouth or tongue.
• It may become sore and bleed.
• It may interfere with the way dentures fit.
• It may interfere with speech or swallowing.

causes

Unknown. It is most common in people who smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, or use chewing tobacco or snuff. Benign tumors do not spread to other areas.

risk increases with

• Use of tobacco.
• Dentures that fit poorly.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Don't smoke or use tobacco products.
• See your dentist for annual dental exams and for problems with denture fit.

expected outcomes

Curable with surgical removal. They are not likely to recur.

possible complications

• Bleeding from the tumor.
• Infection in the tumor.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam of the affected area. A biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of a small amount of skin tissue to be viewed under a microscope.
• Surgery to remove the tumor may be recommended.
• After surgery, cleanse the mouth 3 to 4 times a day with a soothing salt water solution (mix one-half teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water).

medications

• For minor discomfort, you may use nonprescription drugs such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Antibiotics will be prescribed if infection exists.

activity

No limits.

diet

No special diet after recovery. A liquid diet may be necessary for a day or two after surgery.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of a mouth or tongue tumor.
• The following occur after surgical treatment:
  • Fever.
  • Bleeding at the surgical site.
  • Pain.

Special Notes: