Hello All,
I hope this is the correct place for me to post (if not, feel free to get it moved).

Bit of a long query i'm afraid, but just want some advice/reassurance really.

Just before christmas I started suffering from a sore throat accompanied by (according to my partner, a sexy) hoarseness. I also developed a swelling in a lymph node in my left armpit, which the doctor gave me some antibiotics (but being the sicknote that i am, i got a nasty kidney infection a couple of days later and had a strong blast of different antibiotics). Anyway, the lymph node cleared up, but throat probs didnt. Mid january, i noticed a swelling at the base, to the right of my neck. I was told this is the supraclavicular lymph node, and was referred to ENT clinic, which i attended beginning of march.
At my apt, the Dr gave me a mini endoscopy and carried out a good physical examination too. He sent me for bloods and an ultrasound of my thyroid (which i had the following week).
I received a letter end of march that i have a follow up apt for 10th May, so am assuming there cant be much wrong and feel quite reassured by this.
However, with the stress and anxiety of the ENT apt i attended, i forgot to tell the Dr about a lump i have in my mouth (didnt seem too relevant, believe it or not). The lump is on the inside of my lower gum, about midway (not touching my teeth). It is on the left, under the 2nd from middle front tooth (sorry for crappy description, lol, im no dentist).
Anyway, it's kind of hard & nobbly, doesnt hurt but can be easily felt and seen (if i walk around with my mouth open all day ;o).

I've read about leukoplakia, but is that a flat white patch? As mine is a white bumpy one.

Any idea's? Many TIA
x

I can't say what the lump is Tia, but i think you should phone your ENT dep and ask for the appointment to be bought forward and mention the lump. Atleast then you can your mind put at rest quicker.
Let us know how you get on.
Michelle

Hello MooMoo

You might be describing a Mandibular Torus (Torus Mandibularis).

quote:

A mandibular torus is a nodular bony protuberance that is found bilaterally along the lingual aspect of mandible in the bicuspid and/or molar region. Approximately 20% of the population have mandibular tori. They can vary in size. Most times, patients are unaware of their torus unless the overlying mucosa is ulcerated due to a traumatic injury or they are extremely large. The etiology of mandibular torus is not known although there may be a genetic influence. The prevalence of mandibular torus peaks during second and third decades of life. Additionally the prevalence has been correlated to both history of functional stresses including bruxism and number of teeth present in the mandible. Histologically the mandibular tori are made of dense cortical lamellar bone with fatty bone marrow spaces. Most mandibular tori are diagnosed clinically and no treatment is required however surgery may be needed to accommodate a lower partial or full denture if they are large and interfere with their construction.

In some people, little bumps are found on the attached gingivae of the mandible. These are normal structures in these individuals, they may regress with age, require no treatment, but may be mistaken for disease. Torus mandibularis, bony hyperplasia on the lingual surface of the mandible, are most commonly found in the premolar area. It may be single or multiple, uni- or bilateral. It does not cause symptoms. Some normal bumps are shown at Examination Technique with Normal Findings and Structures Mistaken for Disease. - look at Fig. 1.53 and Fig. 1.54.

You could see your dentist before your hospital appointment; it would set your mind at rest.

Best wishes
Vinod

Hi Chelle and Dr Joshi,
Thanks for your quick advice, i think my concerns are really only bought to mind while i'm sitting idly and running my tongue around my bottom teeth (and then cant seem to stop feeling it!!lol). I'll make an apt for dentist, as am due for a check up anyway.
The description of the Mandibular Torus seems very accurate, so will update after getting checked out.
Thanks again and enjoy your bank holiday...