Etiology: Chronic or acute trauma that severs nerve tissue.
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: Traumatic neuromas appear as small firm nodules covered by normal mucosa. Found on the tongue, lower lip, and alveolar ridge. Nodes are painful when palpated
Dental Implications: Careful avoidance of the area during any dental procedure
Tx & Prognosis: Surgical removal and the prognosis is excellent

Etiology: Reactive responses to chronic trauma or irritation. Usually from wearing ill-fitting dentures
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: Nodular, exophytic, and may be pedunculated. Smooth and firm consistency. About the same color or lighter than the surrounding tissues. Surface may become ulcerated. Found on the tongue, buccal mucosa, and lips.
Dental Implications: Determine the cause of the irritation or trauma and remove it
Tx & Prognosis: Surgical removal and a new better-fitting denture. Patient should be advised about correct methods of dental care. Prognosis is excellent if source is removed

Etiology: Reactive hyperplastic lesion and is thought to originate from submucosal connective tissue or PDL
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: Well- defined, firm, pedunculated or sessile, and exophytic on the attached gingiva. Usually smooth-surfaced and covered with normal mucosa. Less than 1mm in size and surface may be ulcerated
Dental Implications: Identify the source of the reaction or trauma and eliminate it
Tx & Prognosis: Local excision and the prognosis is good if the underlying factors are removed

Etiology: Multiple inflammatory disease of unknown etiology.
Method of Transmission: Unknown
Characteristics: Salivary gland enlargement especially parotid gland and xerostomia. Lesions are firm or spongy papular or nodular growths found on gingiva, lips, palate, buccal mucosa, or tongue
Dental Implications: Patient should be encouraged to adhere a good oral hygiene regimen. If xerostomia is present, pt should be counseled on how to manage associated symptoms
Tx & Prognosis: Evaluation by a physician on a regular basis. Topical steriods may be helpful. The prognosis is good.

Ranula: Swelling in the floor of the mouth that resembles a frog's belly. Caused by obstruction of the submandibular or sublingual salivary glands. Clinical manifestation is a mucocele in the floor of the mouth. Growth may appear circumscribed, somewhat fluid, but firm with blue to reddish color. The growth is surgically removed

Etiology: caused by Paramyxovirus
Method of Transmission: Direct contact with saliva or saliva droplets of an infected person
Characteristics: Swelling can occur in any of the major salivary glands, but the parotid gland is more affected. Erythema surrounding the salivary ducts.
Dental Implications: It is important to recognize the manifestations of this infection so that the pt can be referred for medical evaluation
Tx & Prognosis: Tx is focused on relieving the general symptoms associated with the viral infection. The prognosis is excellent and most individuals recover completely

Etiology: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, Streptococcus pneumonia,Haemophilus influenzae, among others.
Method of Transmission: NOT transmitted from person to person
Characteristics: Painful swelling on the affected gland. Purulent exudate and inflammation of the salivary ducts
Dental Implications: Xerostomia , pts with dry mouth should be monitored carefully. Pt should be educated about various strategies that can be used to alleviate xerostomia
Tx & Prognosis: Infection may be difficult to treat. Exudate should be cultured to determine the specific bacteria responsible. Prognosis is good in most cases.

Etiology : It is an autoimmune disease
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: Rheumatoid arthritis, xerostomia, keratoconjunctivitis, difficulty swallowing, altered taste, and difficulty wearing appliances. Parotid and submandibular glands enlarged bilaterally. and symmetrical. .
Dental Implications: Xerostomia increases the chance of dental caries, periodontal disease,and infections. Pt should be monitored for neoplastic changes in the parotid glands.
Tx & Prognosis: Treated by managing the symptoms by the use of artificial saliva and tears, extensive use of fluoride, home care, and diet manifestations. The prognosis is normally good with strict adherence to manifestations.
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Etiology: Unknown
Method of Transmission: Inherited conditions
Characteristics: Slowly enlarging soft tissue. The tissues surrounding the mandible are commonly affected.
Dental Implications: Early detection of any enlarging mass is crucial to obtain a favorable tx outcome. Dental hygienists should provide a thorough examination.
Tx & Prognosis: Surgical excision with wide margins, anti-inflammatory medications, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, and other local therapies. 30% recurrence rate of very aggressive lesions in the head and neck area. Deaths have been reported due to recurrence.

Etiology: Previous radiation therapy and tissue trauma
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: Gradually enlarging, painless masses. Ulcerative surface due to secondary trauma may occur as the lesions enlarge. Pt may complain about pain, swelling, paresthsia, and loosening of teeth.
Dental Implications: Early identification of enlarging soft tissue masses is the most important.
Tx & Prognosis: Surgical excision with wide margins. The prognosis is guarded. 5 yr survival rate is 50% to 70%

Etiology: Arises from proliferation of the Schwann cells of the nerve sheath. Considered benign neural neoplasms of Schwann cell origin
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: Smooth-surfaced, firm, nodular, sucmucosal masses. Most frequently occur on the tongue, bone of the maxilla or mandible, where they appear as well-defined radiolucencies.
Dental Implications: Accurate interpretation of radiographic findings in areas where a pt reports pain and paesthesia may be essential to detect this neoplasm, when it arises in bone
Tx & Prognosis: Surgical excision and there is little chance of recurrence or with malignancy so the prognosis is excellent

Etiology: Schwann cells and/or connective tissue cells that support the peripheral nerves. An inherited syndrome.
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: Slow-growing, smooth-surfaced, asymptomatic mass. Located on the tongue or buccal mucosa, may be found within the bone of the maxilla or mandible.
Dental Implications: Dental hygienist should detect theses lesions and request referral for medical evaluation
Tx *& Prognosis: Surgical excision and solitary neurofibromas have little chance of recurrence and prognosis is excellent

Neoplasms of smooth muscle: Benign neoplam of smooth muscle found in the muscular layer of the gut and uterus. Usually found on the tongue,hard palate, and buccal mucosa. Less than 2 cm in diameter. Tx is surgical excision with wide margins. Long-term prognosis is poor

Etiology: Uknown
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: Rapidly growing soft tissue masses in teh orbital region. Found on hard/soft palate and tongue. Lesions located within the jaws and appear radiographically as ill defined radiolucencies. Symptoms of pain and paresthesia may be present.
Dental Implications: Any soft tissue enlargement that has not been identified and does not resolve over a 2 week period should be biopsied. Pt shold be evaluated before chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
Tx & Prognosis: Complete surgical removal combined with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The prognosis varies according to the location of tumor, histologic characteristics, and whether there has been metastasis.

Neoplasms of Fat Tissue : Lipoma is a benign neoplasm of adipose cells. Most common soft tissue tumor of the body, however it is rare in the oral cavity. Intraorally, it appears superficial, smooth-surfaced, soft, palpable mass that is yellowish in color. Must be biopsied. buccal mucosa is the most common site, tongue, and floor of the mouth. Surgical removal is the tx and recurrence is not a factor. Average size of the tumor is 0.5 to 8.0 cm. The prognosis is normally good. Pts should be followed by a dental professional to facilitate the early discovery of any recurrent lesions.

Etiology: Alterations of chromosome 8 may be associated.
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: Slow growing, firm masses. Affects parotid glands near the angle of the mandible and also seen in minor salivary gland tissue at times. Mobile when found in soft tissues and not mobile when found on the palate.
Dental Implications: Difficult to remove completely, therefore it is essential to monitor these pts periodically for recurrences.
Tx & Prognosis: Complete surgical removal, excision of parotid tumors, and the prognosis is excellent.

Carcinoma Ex-Mixed Tumor: Rare malignant lesions develops within an already existing mixed tumor. Found on the parotid glands and surgical removal is the tx. 15 year survival rate is approx. 20%

Frey Syndrome: Common complication of a surgical procedure & represents can a unique example of how nerve regeneration can go awry. Parotid gland may be totally removed by a complete surgical excision of nay neoplastic growth. Medical therapies are available to manage Frey Syndrome such as local botulinum toxin injections.

Etiology: Unknown
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: Bilaterally, slow-growing, rubbery or firm, painless masses, usually found on the angle of the mandible. Pt may complain of tinnitus, pain in the ear, and deafness upon the stage of growth.
Dental Implications: Pts with a history of smoking have a much higher risk. Dental professional should perform a well extraoral exam and palpations.
Tx & Prognosis: Surgical removal and parotidectomy. There is a chance of recurrence due to continued smoking. Prognosis is excellent.

Etiology: Unknown
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: Found most often in parotid glands or minor salivary glands with asymptomatic swelling. May exist for several years until reported by patient, which will increase pain and facial nerve paralysis will develop. May also appear within the bone of the maxilla, will present as a unilocular or multilocular radiolucency.
Dental Implications: Oral cancer screening examinations should include palpation of all of the major salivary glands to identify abnormalities ar an early stage.
Tx & Prognosis: Surgical removal depending on the size and grade of the tumor. The prognosis depends on the grade of the tumor. Pts with low grade tumors have a very good prognosis, with more than 95% of pts surviving 5 yrs.

Etiology:Unknown
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: Found in the parotid or submandibular glands, they are slow-growing hard masses on the palate, buccal mucosa,or lips.
Dental Implications: Dental hygienist should do a thorough oral examination.
Tx & Prognosis: Involvement of the parotid gland results in partial or total removal of the gland, depending on the location. Submandibular gland is removed when tumors are found. Prognosis is good. 5 yr survival rate is about 90% and at 20 yrs, the survival rate is about 55%

Etiology: Associated with vaious genetic mutations and over production of specific gene products including the protein p63
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: Occurs more frequently on the hard and soft palate followed by upper lip and buccal mucosa. Slow growing, smooth-surfaced, painless mass that may be present for yrs before discovery. Large tumors may be ulcerated because of secondary trauma
Dental Implications: For palatal growth dentures may start to feel uncomfortable or loose. All pts should be encouraged to have a periodic oral exam to detect abnormalities in the early stages.
Tx & Prognosis: Surgical excision with wide margins and local recurrence has been reported but is usually managed by reexcision.

Etiology: : Unknown, however its associated with mutations on chromosomes 6 and 12 and deletion of chromosome 19.
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: Parotid glands present as firm, well defined masses. Tender on palpation, palate is the most common area, and often ulcerated.
Dental Implications: Radiation therapy, therefore all dental procedures need to be accomplished prior to the radiation therapy.
Tx & Prognosis: Surgical excision.

Etiology: Inherited disorder
Method of Transmission: Through an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, or a new mutation
Chatacterisitcs: Appear on the face and lips as well defined, painless, submucosal nodules. Lesions of the tongue appear as macroglossia
Dental Implications: Hygienist may be asked to suggest home care modifications to alleviate the problem. Evaluate soft tissues and cone for any clinical or radiographic changes
Tx & Prognosis: Can not be treated, but they can be surgically removed for cosmetic reasons. It decrease life by yrs.

Etiology: Genetic disorders caused by mutations of a protooncogene located on chromosome 10. Method of Transmission: Can only be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Characteristics: Wide-eyed expression and madibular prognathism, as well as malocclusion and diastemata between mx central incisors. Can be found on lips, tongue, any other mucosal surface. Lips may appear puffy and protuberant. Palate may be high arched or narrow. Dental Implications : Dental hygienist may be the first health care provider, it is important to detect early stages to make appropriate medical referral. Tx &Prognosis: Prophylatctic removal of thyroid, often during infancy. Prognosis is good if the diseas is identified early and thyroid prophlactically removed.

Etiology: Unknown.
Method of Transmission: NOT transmissible.
Characteristics: Painless nodules, may be translucent or bluish, and have a pebbly or bubbly surface. The tongue and buccal mucosa are the most common sites. When lesions are palpated, movement of the lymph fluid within them may produce a crackling sound.
Dental Implications: If pt has already had surgical removal of lympangioma there may be damage to the facial,lingual, or hypoglossal nerve. DH can help pt learn how to manage the complications associated with some of the damages.
Tx & Prognosis: Surgical removal, depending on the size, location, and composition. Laser therapy. Prognosis for small lesions is excellent. Prognosis for large lesions are based on the location and size.

Etiology: Rises from parotid gland epithelium that become trapped within cervical lymph nodes.
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: Commonly found on the floor of the mouth and posterior lateral border of the tongue. Often appear as a pale yellowish hue.
Dental Implications: Dental provider should provide consistently exams including palpations to the neck and soft tissues of the face to detect abnormalities at an early stage
Tx & Prognosis: Surgical excision and prognosis is good, however untreated growths are prone to recurrent infections and abcess formation

Etiology: Proliferation of remnants of epitheilal cells that lined the thyroglossal tract during embryonic development
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: 2% of lesions will develop within the tongue itself. Most are found in the midline of the neck, they appear well circumscribed, nontender, mobile masses, usually between 2-4 cm in diameter.
Dental Implications: Lesions located on the posterior dorsal surface of the tongue should NOT be removed until it is known what they are.
Tx & Prognosis: Surgical excision. Prognosis is normally excellent if the cyst is completely removed.

Etiology: Entrapment of epithelial cells along the lines of embryonic closure or fusion.
Method of Transmission: N/A
Characteristics: Painless, slow-growing, soft, doughy, midline mass, primarily in the floor of the mouth. Can be located superior to the mylohyoid muscle causing the tongue to be displaced superiorly and posteriorly. It can also be located inferior to the muscle and appear as a swelling in the midline of your neck
Dental Implications: If lesion is located on the floor of the mouth, it can impair chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Pts may present with this as a reason for seeking dental care.
Tx & Prognosis: Surgical excision and the prognosis is excellent.