Differential diagnosis of the palatal mass.

It is well understood that the palatal mass can pose a difficult diagnostic dilemma for the clinician. The differential diagnosis of the palatal mass includes the palatal abscess, benign and malignant salivary gland neoplasms, the benign neural tumors, and the traumatic or irritation fibroma. The lesions have many characteristics in common and may appear clinically indistinguishable. Emphasis is placed on the importance of obtaining a thorough, comprehensive health and dental history and collecting relevant laboratory information. Ultimately, a biopsy of the palatal mass may be necessary to render a definitive diagnosis and determine the optimal treatment and management of the patient.