Benign Tumors
Torus Palatinus & Mandibularis
aka Palatal Torus · Mandibular Torus
Benign, non-neoplastic bony exostoses of the midline hard palate or lingual mandible; usually incidental but may interfere with denture construction.
Nature
Anatomical variant
Site
Midline palate / lingual mandible
Rx
Only if symptomatic
§ overviewOverview
Localised bony overgrowth of the maxillary or mandibular alveolar cortical plate — a normal anatomical variant.
§ etiologyEtiology
- 01Multifactorial: genetic (autosomal dominant with variable penetrance), functional (heavy occlusal forces, bruxism), environmental
§ epidemiologyEpidemiology
Torus palatinus: 20–35% adults, F > M. Torus mandibularis: 6–12%, often bilateral, lingual to premolars.
§ clinicalClinical Features
- 01Slow-growing, painless, bony-hard midline palatal or bilateral lingual mandibular swellings
- 02Thin overlying mucosa prone to trauma ulceration
- 03May interfere with denture seating or speech
§ differentialDifferential Diagnosis
- 01Osteoma (may be part of Gardner syndrome)
- 02Ossifying fibroma
- 03Peripheral exostosis
§ histopathHistopathology
- 01Dense cortical or trabecular mature bone with minimal marrow
§ investigationsInvestigations
- 01Clinical diagnosis; occlusal radiograph for extent if surgery planned
§ treatmentTreatment
- 01No treatment required unless: interferes with prosthesis, causes speech problems, chronic mucosal trauma, or patient concern
- 02Surgical removal: elevate mucoperiosteal flap, section with bur/osteotome, smooth with file, tension-free closure
§ complicationsComplications
- 01Post-op haematoma, wound dehiscence, palatal fistula, sensory disturbance
§ prognosisPrognosis
Excellent; no recurrence after complete removal.
§ examKey Examination Points
- 01Bilateral lingual mandibular = pathognomonic
- 02Rule out Gardner syndrome if multiple osteomas
§ revisionQuick Revision Summary
- 01Anatomical variant · surgery only if functional problem
§ vivaBDS Viva Questions
- 01Gardner syndrome features?
- 02Surgical approach to remove palatal torus?
- 03Difference between torus and osteoma?
§ mcqsMCQs — Assessment (3)
Question 1
Location of torus mandibularis:
Question 2
Indication for removal:
Question 3
Multiple osteomas suggest:
References
- Neville BW. Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, 4e
Draft — pending faculty review. Educational use only; verify against current guidelines and primary sources before clinical application.