Why do I have a bump on the hard palate?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have had this lump on my hard palate for about three months now. It is located near the midline, and a few millimeters to the left. It is about 2 x 2 mm in size, pretty round, and it does not hurt. I thought this might be torus palatinus.
But I heard that this torus is mostly symmetrical, and my lump is only on one side of the palate. In the picture, it looks a little red because I scratched it with my fingernail. It was just a little bit more red than the other side of my palate as I scratched it.
So, what could this be? I am scared that it might be some kind of cancer.
Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Looking at the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity), it looks more likely to be a torus palatinus. The location is in the midline only. However, it is a little smaller than usual.
Also, please answer a few of my questions:
- Can you describe whether it is a bony hard swelling or a firm, fluid-filled, or soft compressible swelling?
- Do you have a history of consumption of tobacco in chewing or smoking form?
- Do you have any other oral symptoms, like changes in the quantity and consistency of saliva?
- Do you have any other medical problems, or have you taken any medications lately, or have you experienced any marked loss in weight?
It is not the stage to comment on cancer or the like without proper investigations. If you would like, then get an occlusal X-ray and CBCT maxilla (cone-beam computed tomography) done and share a few more intra-oral pictures along with them.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
When I try to press it, it is hard and almost as hard as a bone. I am 19, and I noticed it only about three months ago. I did not pay attention to it, and I thought that it might get smaller or disappear.
But I recently noticed it again. I smoked for about half a year, but not very much. I used to smoke a maximum of one cigarette a day, and I quit smoking now.
Please advise.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Since it is hard, it could very well be a torus. However, there are a few other things that need to be checked on X-ray. It could be a cyst or odontome.
The best course of action is to get X-rays and CBCT done and have a follow-up. If those show any changes, then we can go in for a systemic parameters check and, if necessary, a biopsy or FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology).
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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