The palate is divided into hard and soft palates. The hard palate is located in the front, made up of the bones that make up the structure of the mouth. The soft palate is located deeper in the mouth, made up of soft muscles, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).
If swelling of the palate persists, you should see a doctor because it could be a sign of an underlying disease.
One of the most common causes of swollen palates is canker sores. They are usually small, red, and painful. They can appear in many places in the mouth, not just the roof of the mouth. Although they are not serious, they are painful, uncomfortable, and take 1 to 2 weeks to heal.
Swellings in the roof of the mouth can also be mucocele. Mucocele are fluid-filled sacs that form on the roof of the mouth. They are caused by damage to the salivary glands. They are usually painless, but can be uncomfortable. Mucocele usually goes away on its own within a few days to a few weeks.
In cases where the cysts become larger, doctors will perform surgery to remove them, according to the non-profit medical center Cleveland Clinic (USA).
Another cause of swollen palate is Torus. This is a bony growth that develops on the roof of the mouth. This growth is benign, not cancerous, and is mainly genetic. About 20% of the population will have this condition. Torus is harmless, usually painless, and only requires treatment when it causes discomfort to the sufferer.
The roof of the mouth can also be affected by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), causing cold sores. They usually appear on the lips, but can also affect the roof of the mouth. The person will develop small, painful, fluid-filled blisters. They are spread through close contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils.
Regardless of the cause, swelling of the palate should not be ignored and should be monitored. If the swelling persists or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, a doctor should be consulted.
If the swelling in the roof of your mouth persists and turns white, it may be a fungal infection. Your doctor will prescribe antifungal medication to prevent complications.
In the worst case, persistent swelling of the palate that does not go away could be cancer. The doctor will request a biopsy to determine the condition. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, the patient will be required to undergo surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these methods, according to Medical News Today.
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