Common causes of 'swelling' in the oral cavity

Background: Conditions that present as a 'swelling' in the oral cavity are relatively common, and patients may seek initial assessment from their general practitioners.

Objective: The aim of this article is to provide an overview of common causes of a 'swelling' in the oral cavity to help with formulating a differential diagnosis and stratifying the urgency of referral.

Discussion: Pathological conditions in the oral cavity (excluding mucosal presentations) may present as a swelling in the submucosa or jaws, symptoms related to teeth and/or gums or an incidental finding on imaging. In this review, the authors outline the most common submucosal or jaw swellings, organised according to their clinical presentations, and describe their typical appearance and management.