What does a hard lump in my cheek indicate?

A hard lump inside the cheek may indicate a cyst, according to Simple Steps to Better Dental Health. A cyst is a pouch or sac that forms under the skin or in bone, but it is not cancerous.

A cyst that forms in soft tissue is usually small and painless and only causes pain if it becomes infected, explains Simple Steps to Better Dental Health. An individual who suspects he has a cyst should see his dentist, where a biopsy is likely to be performed. This determines the type of cyst present and the type of treatment the patient requires. Cysts are normally removed surgically. Patients with infected cysts require antibiotics.