Denture-induced hyperplasia is a hyperplasia of fibrous tissue that is a reaction to a poorly fitting denture that, in use, rocks and slides over the mucosa. It is also sometimes associated with continuous wearing of dentures. This redundant "callus-like" tissue cushions the denture against ongoing trauma. It is said that females are 2-3 times more likely to develop this condition, but it may be that females are more likely to seek help for this condition. The areas may or may not be painful depending on whether the areas are ulcerated. Patients notice a mass or thickening of the mucosa, either under a palatal denture or at the flanges of a mandibular denture. The latter is usually also referred to as "epulis fissuratum". This extra tissue has usually been present for months to years and slowly enlarges.