Oral Fibroma - Linkedin Article - (Dr. Shakshi Jain)

Have you ever felt a hard or smooth bump inside your mouth? It does not go away on its own. For those who have, the condition can be more irritating and frightening too. Luckily, the bump is usually benign and we called it oral fibroma.

What Is Oral Fibroma?

Oral fibroma is a benign growth that appears on the soft tissues of the oral cavity such as the cheeks, tongue, gums, or lips. It is a common oral pathology that presents as a sole, painless, firm, rough, or smooth surfaced lesion. The appearance and texture of oral fibroma look like cancer cells. The shape, size, structure, and consistency vary depending on the composition of the fibroma. Oral fibroma affects about one to two percent of adults.

What Are the Causes of Oral Fibroma?

The exact cause of oral fibroma is unknown, but several factors can lead to its development. These include:

• Trauma: Oral fibroma may develop in response to trauma or chronic irritation to the tissues in the mouth. For example, repeated lip biting or cheek biting, or rubbing against a sharp tooth.
• Hormonal Changes: Some studies suggested that hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risk of developing oral fibroma.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: By increasing the risk of infection and inflammation poor oral hygiene may increase the risk of oral fibroma.
• Ill-fitting Dentures: Ill-fitting dentures can cause constant irritation to the tissues leading to the condition.
• Dental Prosthesis: Ill-fitting crowns or veneers may cause irritation to the underlying tissues leading to oral fibroma. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Oral Fibroma?

The signs and symptoms may vary depending on the size, location, and characteristics of the growth. The common signs and symptoms include:

• A firm, painless, raised bump in the mouth.
• The color of the lesion is the same as that of the surrounding tissues. Sometimes, the color may change to bright red or pink due to bleeding. 
• A lesion is smooth or rough to the touch.
• A lesion may be attached to the underlying tissue by a stalk or stem. 
• Depending on the location of the fibroma, it may interfere with eating and speaking.

How Can Oral Fibroma Be Diagnosed?

A healthcare professional such as a dentist or oral surgeon may diagnose the condition by physical examination of the mouth. A dentist may look for the characteristic features of the oral fibroma including firm, painless, raised lump or bump in the mouth. In some cases, the dentist may perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. During a biopsy, a small sample of the tissue is removed from the lesion and sent to the laboratory for analysis. 

Other imaging tests such as Magnetic resonance testing (MRI) scans and X-rays check the fibroma growth that may affect the underlying bone or other structures in the mouth. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications.

How Can Oral Fibroma Be Treated?

The healthcare provider may remove the cause of the lesion. If the oral fibroma is caused due to ill-fitting dentures. The dentist may fit or adjust the dentures properly. The treatment of oral fibroma involves surgical removal. The steps involved are as follows:

• Anesthesia: The dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area.
• Excision: The fibroma is removed by using a scalpel or laser. The tissue is sent to the laboratory to confirm the diagnosis. 
• Suturing: Once the fibroma is removed, the wound is sutured for healing.
• Post-operative Care: The dentist may advise the patient to follow proper oral hygiene practices to prevent infections and promote healing.

How Can Oral Fibroma Be Prevented?

The preventive measures are as follows:

• Avoid biting the lips or cheeks.
• Avoid using tobacco products
• Practice good oral hygiene.
• Make sure the dental appliances fit properly.

For more information, contact me at Icliniq.com  http://icliniq.com/drshakshijain