Removal of neoplasms of the I category

An oral lesion is a fibroma, papilloma, epulis, mucocele or other growth on the lining of the cheek, lip, tongue or gums. Most are benign but can get in the way, be injured and grow. Category I removal means surgical excision of small benign mucosal lesions with mandatory histology. At UKRMED Maxillofacial Surgery, the procedure is performed by surgeon Anna Kravchenko.

Which lesions are removed

• Fibroma — a firm nodule on the cheek or lip, often where the lining is repeatedly bitten. Oral fibroma removal is one of the most common procedures.
• Papilloma — a cauliflower-like growth linked to human papillomavirus. Oral papilloma removal prevents it from spreading.
• Epulis — an overgrowth on the gum, often near a tooth with a poor filling or crown, or during pregnancy.
• Mucocele — a fluid-filled blister on the lip or under the tongue caused by damage to a minor salivary gland. Oral mucocele removal includes the damaged gland.
• Other benign lesions of the lining.

Category I covers small lesions from a few millimetres to about a centimetre. Larger lesions or those in difficult locations belong to higher categories and need wider surgery.

Why histology matters

A benign-looking lesion may not look different from changes that need other treatment. A 2026 umbrella review of non-invasive methods for detecting oral cancer and precancer found that none of them can yet replace tissue examination. That is why a removed lesion is always sent for histology — the only way to know for sure that it is benign.

See a doctor promptly if a lesion grows quickly, bleeds, ulcerates or feels hard, or if a sore in the mouth does not heal within two weeks.

Excision of an oral lesion

1. Examination, plus an X-ray if the lesion is on the gum near a tooth.
2. Local anaesthesia.
3. Excision within healthy tissue margins.
4. Closure with a fine suture.
5. Histology of the removed tissue.

The procedure takes 20–40 minutes. An epulis near a tooth is removed together with its cause — a poor filling, a sharp tooth edge or tartar — with the help of a general dentist or hygienist.

Recovery

Mild discomfort lasts a few days. Stitches are removed after 7–10 days. Until healed, avoid spicy, hot and hard food, rinse after meals and do not smoke. To stop a fibroma coming back, the doctor will advise on breaking a cheek- or lip-biting habit.

Prices at UKRMED

More complex cases, large lesions or jaw bone lesions are assessed separately — see also cystectomy and liposuction and outpatient surgery for facial skin lesions.

Sources

1. Groenevelt M. C. C., Meulenbroeks L., Brakenhoff R. H. et al. Non-invasive detection and monitoring of oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders: an umbrella review on diagnostic accuracy. Clin Oral Investig, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-026-07109-x
2. World Health Organization. Oral health. Fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health