I can feel a lump in my mouth. Is it protruding bone, or cancer?

There are points that help tell them apart. 1) A bony prominence (torus): it commonly appears in the middle of the palate or on the inner side of the lower molars, feels as hard as bone, is often symmetrical on both sides, and barely changes in size over years. It is a normal structure that needs no treatment. 2) A lesion that raises suspicion: it feels soft or has an eroded surface, grows noticeably over weeks to months, or bleeds when touched. Judging for yourself by feel is difficult, though. An X-ray easily distinguishes bone from a soft tissue lump, so if the lump is new or growing, please have it checked at the clinic.