Hi - I noticed a red bump on my inner cheek about a week ago. It is towards the front of my mouth, about parallel with the line where my upper and lower teeth meet. The bump is no bigger than an earring back, seems semi-soft, and is not painful. It appears to have a thin line or "tail" running from it. The tail is also slightly raised and is red. I had a bump from the underside of my tongue removed and biopsied in December, and so have been keeping close watch since then. (That tongue bump, by the way, was not cancerous; it was hyper growth of one of the normal bumps). I am very worried, as I am a former smoker (about 7 years of heavy smoking, 4 years of very light smoking). I have never used chewing tobacco. I am 31. Can anyone tell me what this might be, other than cancer? I am freaking out.

I'll update my above post and say that the bump is round and is actually more pink than red (like the surrounding cheek color). Same with the line. Any input would be appreciated!

Hello Ming

It is very possible that you are describing a lesion caused by cheek biting. The surface of a frictional keratosis may be quite rough and irregular, and on the buccal mucosa may show a scalloped effect as the tissues take on the contours of adjacent teeth. Focal oval areas of pink mucosa may be seen, representing areas in which the patient has peeled off the thick surface keratin with his or her teeth. The resulting combination of red and white mucosa may be mistaken for the precancers granular leukoplakia or erythroleukoplakia.

Are you clenching (keeping your teeth together)?

Best wishes
Vinod

Hello Dr. Joshi - Thanks very much for the response. I'm not aware that I clench my teeth, though I have noticed that I sometimes suck my cheeks against my teeth....

Thanks,
Ming

Hi Ming

That sucking habit could cause it! Follow the advice given on clenching/bruxing to stop the habit of tensing the facial muscles. You have to 'do nothing' to get better! Let me know how you get on. If it doesn't improve, please see your dentist about it.

Best wishes
Vinod

Thanks very much, Dr. Joshi. I will follow these instructions, and will hopefully see improvement. If not, I will follow up with my dentist.