Tumors of the oral cavity can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). There are certain tumors that are classified as atypical (uncertain or unspecified behavior) meaning that some behave in a benign manner, or some behave in a malignant manner. A majority of the tumors diagnosed via lab studies (biopsy) are benign.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is an authoritative body that compiles, prepares, and publishes histological and molecular classification of tumors, via their Blue Books, based on research inputs from experts worldwide. These reference books chiefly aid in global cancer research, provide gold standards for tumor diagnosis, and help in treating cancer patients.

According to the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Head and Neck Region (2022), 5th Ed., Vol. 9, benign and malignant oral cavity tumors are classified in the following manner:

Oral cavity and mobile tongue:

Non-neoplastic lesions

• Necrotizing sialometaplasia
• Multifocal epithelial hyperplasia
• Oral melanoacanthoma

Epithelial tumors

• Papillomas
  • Squamous papillomas
• Oral potentially malignant disorders & oral epithelial dysplasia
  • Oral potentially malignant disorders
  • Oral epithelial dysplasia
  • Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia
  • Submucous fibrosis: It is a chronic and progressive condition of the mouth caused by chewing areca nut in betel quid, a practice commonly observed in India and Southeast Asia. It mostly affects young adults
  • HPV-associated dysplasia
• Squamous cell carcinomas
  • Oral squamous cell carcinoma: It is a common malignant tumor of the mouth that typically affects elderly men and women. It is more aggressive than conventional squamous cell carcinoma affecting other body regions
  • Verrucous carcinoma
  • Carcinoma cuniculatum
• Tumors of uncertain histogenesis
  • Congenital granular cell epulis
  • Granular cell tumor
  • Ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor
  • Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy

Additional oral cavity tumor articles (on DoveMed) that are not part of WHO Classification of Tumors of the Head and Neck Region:

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) of Gums: It is a very rare and unusual form of mouth cancer that may be observed in middle-aged and older adults.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) of Lip: It is a very rare and unusual form of lip cancer that is typically observed in middle-aged and older adults.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) of Palate: It is a very rare and unusual form of mouth cancer that may be observed in middle-aged and older adults.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) of Tongue: It is a very rare and unusual form of cancer. The tumor is typically observed in middle-aged and older adults.

Angiomyolipoma of Oral Cavity: It is a very uncommon extrarenal angiomyolipoma that may be present in the mouth in adult men and women. The tumor may be seen on the lips, palate, cheek, and tongue.

Congenital Epulis: It is a highly uncommon benign tumor that arises from the mucosal layers of the gums, typically in newborn girls.

Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Oral Cavity: It is a benign tumor that occurs in the mouth. It can occur in a wide range of individuals including young children and elderly adults.

Fordyce Spots of Mouth: These are multiple, small, raised papules that occur anywhere in the mouth, affecting both males and females of all age groups.

Giant Cell Epulis: It is a benign tumor that arises from the periodontal ligament in the mouth. It is generally observed in young and middle-aged adults.

Granular Cell Epulis of Infancy: It is a rare and usually slow-growing tumor, which occurs on the gums of newborn children.

Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis: It is a common and slowly-progressing, benign condition of the gums. This condition has been noted to be present from birth.

Idiopathic Gingival Fibromatosis: It is a common and slowly-progressing, benign condition of the gums. It has been noted to be present from birth.

Intraoral Angiomyoma: It is a benign tumor that may be present in the lips, palate, or buccal mucosa in the mouth. The tumor is observed in middle-aged and older adults.

Melanotic Macules of Oral Mucosa: These are observed on the lips and in the mouth. It is a commonly observed skin condition that is seen in many children and adults.

Oral Giant Cell Fibroma: It is a common, benign, slow-growing tumor of the mouth. It can arise at any age; most are seen in children and young adults.

Oral Leukoplakia: It may be described as benign or pre-malignant condition that manifests as a white patch on the mucosal surfaces of the mouth. It may be noted in both children and adults.

Oral Lymphangioma: It is a benign tumor of the lymphatic system that mostly occurs in the mouth. A majority of the tumors are diagnosed in very young children.

Oral Lymphoepithelial Cyst (OLC): It is a rare benign tumor that forms in the mouth. It is generally observed in young men.

Oral Malignant Melanoma: It is a very rare type of mucosal melanoma that develops from the mucus membrane lining the oral cavity. It is observed in middle-aged and older adults.

Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth: It is a reactive condition of a blood vessel occurring in the mouth (lower/upper lip or tongue). It may be observed in individuals of all age groups.

Peripheral Odontogenic Fibroma: It is an uncommon benign tumor of the gums that is seen in a wide age range of individuals.

Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma: It is a common benign tumor of the gums usually diagnosed in teens and young adults.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor (SFT) of Oral Cavity: It is a mostly benign (non-cancerous) overgrowth arising from the mesenchymal tissue. It can be present in individuals between 20 and 70 years of age.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of Tongue: It is a common malignant tumor that typically affects elderly men and women. It is more aggressive than conventional squamous cell carcinoma affecting other body regions.