Peripheral ossifying fibroma is a benign gingival neoplasm, likely arising from cells in the periodontal ligament and the periosteum They appear as soft or firm sessile nodules Recurrence after resection is common Peripheral giant cell granuloma is a similar lesion that may be found on the lingual or buccal aspect of the interdental papillae Typical size is approximately cm, and surgical excision and curettage is required Desmoids are another type of benign tumor that may be found intraorally, deriving from the musculoaponeuroses They are histologically benign, but require wide excision and close follow-up as they are locally aggressive with a high recurrence rate Mucoceles are soft, well-demarcated masses arising from obstruction of salivary glands Symptoms are minimal, but excision or marsupialization is typically required A ranula is a retention cyst or mucocele of the submaxillary or sublingual duct ( Fig 52.3 ) Ranulas are typically found on the underside of the tongue or the floor of the mouth Many will resolve spontaneously, but resection is appropriate for persistence or repeated recurrence Lingual thyroid tissue may be present in the posterior midline of the tongue due to complications in embryologic migration Radionuclide scanning should be used to determine if it represents the patient’s only functioning thyroid tissue Excision is generally avoided unless there is concern for airway obstruction Administration of thyroid hormone may reduce the size of the mass A fibroma is a benign, smooth mass with a sessile base that frequently develops due to soft tissue injury from minor trauma on the tongue, lips, buccal mucosa, or palate Pyogenic granuloma represents granulation tissue that develops in response to an irritant such as trauma or foreign body Most commonly found on the gingiva, pyogenic granulomas also occur on the tongue, lips, and buccal mucosa Treatment involves incision and drainage Recurrence is common, especially when a foreign body is present