Air carrier Captain reported encountering raised asphalt during the takeoff roll on Runway 23 at PVD. Captain expressed concern over the unknown condition of the nose gear; tear; or steering element upon landing.

Narrative

During our takeoff roll on Runway 23 in PVD; we ran over FOD; what turned out to be raised asphalt" according to an ATC relay to us. The asphalt was raised but looked like "loose asphalt" at a high speed; but we were never in a position to reject for avoidance. A very loud thump was heard as we ran over it just about rotation time. We reported the incident immediately to the Tower after takeoff. Confirmation of "raised asphalt" was reported from a Departure frequency person after our radio check in. After a brief discussion with my IOE FO; we determined [requesting priority handling] would be in order; not knowing the condition of the nose gear; tire; or steering element upon landing. No indications led us to be sure of damage; but we [requested priority handling] for precaution. FAs were notified and also indicated they heard the abnormal noise on our takeoff roll; which they did mention they were concerned about. CFR (Crash Fire Rescue) was requested and was on site upon our arrival onto ZZZ. We landed without incident. A brief inspection was completed by CFR after landing; and we taxied to the gate with no assistance.Maintenance was there upon arrival and an Aircraft Maintenance Logbook (AML) write-up was done. No injuries or problems reported.I'm not an asphalt engineer; it seemed very odd to me; that on an average day in PVD; not very hot at all; that asphalt would buckle under "normal" conditions. Aircraft Y took off just a few minutes prior to us and didn't report any issues. It appears the runway was shut down for at least 24 hours at the time of this report. Unusual earth movement would be my only other suspicion for what appeared to be 2 different "raised asphalt" spots on the runway."