What Are the Causes of a Growth on the Roof of the Mouth?

Nearly 30,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral cancer every year, according to "Diseases and Disorders." Oral cancer can develop in the tongue, inside of the cheeks or on the roof of the mouth.

Growths

• Growths on the roof of the mouth can take the form of lumps that are white or darker than surrounding tissue. They can also appear to be a sore that does not heal.

Causes

• A growth on the roof of the mouth is sometimes oral cancer. The chance of developing oral cancer increases if a person smokes or chews tobacco.

Treatment

• Growths on the roof of the mouth can be removed surgically. If they are cancerous, a patient could need chemotherapy or radiation therapy to be sure all cancerous cells are destroyed. Reconstructive surgery is sometimes needed after such treatments to rebuild the roof of the mouth.