MOUTH OR TONGUE TUMOR, BENIGN

General Information

DEFINITION--Abnormal new growth in the mouth or tongue that is unlikely to spread to other body parts. Benign mouth and tongue tumors usually occur singly and grow very slowly over 2 to 6 years.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Lips; gums; palate; tongue; membrane covering the lips and cheeks; floor of the mouth.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Adults over 60.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

A lump in any part of the mouth or tongue with the following characteristics:

• It may ulcerate and bleed.
• It may interfere with the way dentures fit.
• It may interfere with speech or swallowing.

CAUSES--Unknown, although it is most common in people who smoke cigarettes, cigars or pipes, or use chewing tobacco or snuff.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Use of tobacco.
• Poorly fitting dentures.

HOW TO PREVENT

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

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Biopsy (See Glossary) of the tumor.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's or dentist's treatment.
• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Surgery to remove the tumor.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Cancerous change in the tumor (rare).
• Bleeding from the tumor.
• Infection in the tumor.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Curable with surgical removal. Normal facial appearance can usually be restored by plastic surgery (if needed).

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----After surgery, cleanse the mouth 3 to 4 times a day with a soothing salt-water solution (1 teaspoon salt in 8 oz. warm water).

MEDICATION--

• For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen.
• Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, if infection exists.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--A liquid diet may be necessary for several days after surgery (see Liquid Diet in Appendix); no special diet after recovery.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of a mouth or tongue tumor.
• The following occurs after surgery: Fever. Bleeding at the surgical site. Unbearable pain.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.