There are many possible causes for lumps and ulcers within the mouth and a thorough assessment is often required to find the most appropriate treatment. It is important to rule out cancer and biopsies are required to further investigate lumps. Lumps can also be caused by benign tumours, precancerous changes such as leukoplakia or white patches, viral or autoimmune related ulcers and other benign growth. Surgical removal of some lumps are required to assess for cancer formation or remove precancerous growth, or to remove symptomatic benign lumps.