Two cases of benign lymphoid hyperplasia (BLH) of the palate are reported. The histologic appearances are those of a benign or reactive lymphoid aggregate and correlate well with other published accounts of this lesion. Using a battery of antileukocyte antibodies suitable for formalin-fixed tissue, analysis of the antigenic profile of oral BLH has been performed. The results indicate its benign nature: the germinal centres show tingible-body macrophages and polyclonal light chain restriction, the mantle zones are composed of both mature and immature B-cells, and the extramantle zones contain both B- and T-lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and eosinophils. The histologic and immunohistochemical features are those of a benign rather than malignant proliferation of lymphocytes. This is in agreement with published accounts of long-term follow-up, which have found no correlation between BLH in the mouth with either malignant association or malignant transformation.