The FP explained that the mass was a torus palatinus and that nothing needed to be done about it.
Torus palatinus is a benign bony exostosis occurring in the midline of the hard palate. It is the most common bony maxillofacial exostosis, and it is usually diagnosed in adults older than 30 years of age. It is more common in women than men.
The differential diagnosis for a mass in this location includes an adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare tumor that can start in a minor salivary gland over the hard palate. Note, however, that this tumor will not occur at the midline. If a suspected torus is not midline, a biopsy will be needed to rule out this potentially fatal carcinoma. Excision of a torus is only indicated if the lesion interferes with function, such as the fit of dentures or phonation.
Photos and text for Photo Rounds Friday courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD. This case was adapted from: French L, Smith M. Torus palatinus. In: Usatine R, Smith M, Mayeaux EJ, et al, eds. Color Atlas of Family Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2013:206-207.
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