Benign neoplasms refer to new irregular growths that do not spread to other areas in the body or to permeating tissue. The benign neoplasms of the hard tissue are located in the upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) jawbones, the roof of the mouth (hard palate), and the temporomandibular joint. The benign neoplasms of the soft tissue involve the soft palate, gums, tonsils, tongue, benign tumors of salivary gland origin, and the rest of the oral cavity which is coveted with mucous membrane.

Causes of a benign neoplasm is often unknown. Common causes have been linked to environmental toxins, genetics, diet, stress, local trauma or injury, inflammation or infection. A common cause of benign neoplasms in the oral cavity is the human papillomavirus virus (HPV).

Benign neoplasms of oral cavity may include: benign epithelial tumors of oral mucosa such as papilloma, verruca vulgaris; benign mesenchymal tumors of oral mucosa different such as fibroma, schwannoma, neurofibroma, neuroma, granular cell tumor, and granuloma; benign tumors of salivary gland origin of oral mucosa such as pleomorphic adenoma; cysts of oral mucosa such as epidermoid/dermoid cyst, gingival cyst.

Signs and symptoms may depend on the site of the disease. Manifestations related to the dental system may include: a sore in the mouth that does not heal; pain in the mouth that does not go away; a lump or thickening in the cheek; a white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth; a sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat that does not go away; trouble chewing or swallowing; trouble moving the jaw or tongue; numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth; swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable; loosening of the teeth or pain around the teeth or jaw; voice changes; a lump or mass in the neck; weight loss; and constant bad breath.

Physical and dental examinations, tissue biopsy, tumor staging, blood studies, ultrasound, x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), bone scan, computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or pharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy may be indicated.

Treatments consists of surgical excision of the mass and microscopic diagnosis or non-surgical treatment with chemical agents. The surgical procedure relates to the site of the benign neoplasms and their invasiveness. It may include removal of oral cavity hard and soft tissue structures. Pain management and nutrition therapy may be initiated.

For some benign tumors, there is potential for recurrence postoperatively or after non-surgical treatment which can appear at any time after primary therapy. Benign neoplasms of the mouth and their treatments can sometimes cause problems such as loss or change in taste, dry mouth, or even loss of teeth. This can make it hard to eat, which can lead to weight loss and weakness due to poor nutrition. Oral cavity benign tumors and their treatments may affect a person's speech and ability to swallow. The potential for infection exists. Scarring and fascial disfigurement may not resolve. Social isolation and depression due to fascial disfigurement may develop. Counseling, speech and psychotherapy, nutrition therapy, and support groups may be indicated to assist the patient in dealing with the diagnosis.

• None.

• Rate as loss of supporting structures (bone or teeth) and/or functional impairment due to scarring.

• For VA compensation purposes, diagnostic imaging studies include, but are not limited to, conventional radiography (X-ray), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), radionuclide bone scanning, or ultrasonography

• Separately evaluate loss of vocal articulation, loss of smell, loss of taste, neurological impairment, respiratory dysfunction, and other impairments under the appropriate diagnostic code and combine under 38 CFR 4.25 for each separately rated condition.

• May be entitled to special monthly compensation where the Veteran has a single service-connected disability rated as 100% with additional service-connected disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more, which are separate and distinct from the 100% service-connected disability and involves different anatomical segments or bodily systems. See  38 CFR 3.350(i)(1) – Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).