Torus Palatinus: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Pictures
Torus palatinus is a medical finding that is associated with abnormal growth at the top of mouth. Basically, Torus palatinus is defined as bony protrusion that arose on the midline at the roof of the mouth, an area also called as palate. Torus palatinus is usually occurred in humans and other mammalian organisms. The name Torus palatinus is derived from Latin language where “torus” mean lump, bull or to stand out and “palatinus” mean from the palate, so collectively as lump coming from the palate. Palate is an important part of mouth that split the nasal cavity from the oral cavity. As a result of Torus palatinus large bulbous solid outline develops at the palate region. This outgrowth is so firm and solid that it cannot be displaced by the finger as well.
In most of the cases, the size of Torus palatinus is dynamic and can change all through the life (usually less than 2 cm in diameter). It has been observed that Torus Palatinus is generally emerge during the early phase or years of maturity (adulthood) and becomes shrink (due to e re-absorption of bones) at later stages. Generally, Torus palatinus has been suggested as a clinical finding (not a life threatening situation) and any specific treatment is not necessary. However, in some cases Torus palatinus become serious and required immediate medical attention. Torus palatinus can cause ulceration at the area of tori or palate and also cause complication during the fabrication of dentures. In severe cases, removal of Tori or bulbous solid lump is needed. Surgery is the best option to reduce the amount of bony protrusion from the palate.
The prevalence of Torus palatinus is comparatively high in women than the man and usually ranges between 9% to 60%. According to clinical studies Torus palatinus is more common in Asians, Native American and Inuit populations in comparison with other race. It has been reported that Torus palatinus is prevalent in approximately one-fourth to one-third of the total population (20% – 35%) in the United States itself. The exact cause or reason for development of Torus Palatinus is not known but several factors such as local stress and genetic traits are supposed to be the factors that influence its development.
What are the other names of Torus palatinus: Torus palatinus synonym?
The Torus palatinus is pronounced with several other names such as Palatal tori, Tori palatinus, and Palatinus torus, bump at the roof top and mass of the palate etc.
Who cause Torus palatinus: The causative agent?
Palatal tori, Tori palatinus, or Palatinus torus is basically outgrowth that emerges on the firm region of the palate. The outgrowth is increase in size with age and hereditary factors. Palatal torus is common in older people but they also develop in young once like babies and kids. The exact nature and cause of Torus palatinus is not known and it is believed that the bony outgrowths of Torus palatinus are develops mainly due to certain genetic or hereditary factors. The grounds behind the genetic cause of Torus palatinus is based on medical observation that suggested that Torus palatinus follow a prototype belongs to autosomal dominant inheritance. Autosomal dominant inheritance is a genetic phenomena in which a disease or trait is inherited from one generation to another depends on the type of chromosome affected (i.e. autosome or sex chromosome). It has been suggested that genetic inheritance of Torus palatinus from affected parents to their progeny is 50 %. The genetic phenomena also explain the limited occurrence of torus palatinus in certain ethnic groups. These facts strengthen the hypothesis that the cause of torus palatinus is genetic. However, there is no certain cause of the Torus palatinus has yet been established. Based on case history and literature studies the following are some common factors that supposed to be the probable cause of Torus palatinus.