Palate

Torus Palatinus

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Torus Palatinus, Palatal Torus, Mandibular Torus, Torus Mandibularis

  • Epidemiology
  1. Represents 17% of Oral Lesions
  2. Prevalence
    1. Palatal: 20-35%
    2. Mandibular: 7-10%
  3. Peaks over age 30 years
  4. More common in women
  5. Hereditary
  • Pathophysiology
  1. Common developmental exostosis (cortical outgrowth) onset as teen, and grows as an adult
  • Signs
  1. Bony, Lobulated outgrowth
  2. Distribution
    1. Palatal Torus
      1. Midline of Hard Palate
    2. Mandibular Torus
      1. Lingual aspect of Mandible (under Tongue)
  • Differential Diagnosis
  1. Nodule not in the midline Hard Palate suggests other diagnosis (evaluate for cancer)
  • Management
  1. Benign and requires no treatment
  2. Indication for surgical resection
    1. Difficult to fit dentures and other oral appliances
    2. Chronic, recurrent irritation or ulceration with hard food intake
    3. Bone graft harvesting for dental surgery
  • References
  1. Randall (2022) Am Fam Physician 105(4): 369-76 [PubMed]