Hi all,

About 4 months ago I noticed a boney lump on the side of my jaw, about 1cm long and 2-3mm in depth. Its below one of my molars, just under the ridge that runs along the side of the jaw under the teeth. It is very smooth and painless, and hasn't broken through the gum. It seems to be growing on the jaw, I cannot feel it on the other side either. The teeth are not loose.

At first I thought it was an abcess because I had a root canal on the tooth that its directly below.

I went to the dentist and he took an x-ray, I didn't really know much about this sort of thing, and he told me not to worry as he didn't think it was serious. He said he would forward all information onto a group of experts (he mentioned a name but I can't remember it now). Anyway its 4 months later now and I haven't heard a word.

More about the root canal: The tooth that had the root canal definately had a bad infection as I could smell it when they pulled it out. The pain from the toothache was bad and I had to endure it for over a week. Also after having the root canal it made the tooth raise slightly, but now it seems to have settled down. However because it was raised, and because I have a habit of clenching my teeth, a fair amount of pressure was exerted onto it. So its my one hope that this is a boney mass caused by the infection and/or the clenching of my teeth.

It doesn't seem to have got much bigger, but I can't really tell (its not visible but only noticable by touch, which isn't very reliable). I know it hasn't grown outwards, as it was level with the bottom of my jaw bone when I noticed it, and still is. But after reading up on it I have decided its best to know for sure. So I am going back to the dentist to demand a biopsy.

I have a few questions I would like to ask:

Is this type of cancer related to smoking? I have been smoking since I was around 16, I am now 28 and I have smoked between 10-15 cigerettes a day. I am still smoking but I am in the process of setting a date to quit. What I have been learning has taught me its not worth it at all.

I live in the Essex area. Where should I be looking to get the biopsy done? I heard it has to be done by a specialist. So if anyone knows the best place to get it done I would like to ask my dentist to refer me there.

What is involved in the biopsy? I heard that a needle is used to take a sample, but would like more information on it if possible.

I am quite worried about it, and I know its best to stay positive. Is there any advice out there on how to deal with any anxiety/worry/depression that this could cause?

Is it possible that if it is cancer of the jaw, that it has spread from somewhere else in my body? Should I be looking at getting some kind of scan?

Also, I am aware that what I have can be any number of things, and that cancer of the jaw bone is relatively rare. But in my limited research, the only thing that I can see which isn't cancerous is a buccal exotosis. Is there anything else it could be?

Sorry for the long first post, I just want to make sure I have everything covered.

Thanks for reading,
Russell

Hello Russ

It is not possible to make a diagnosis over the Internet but I would not be worried but concerned. Please ask your dentist (or doctor) to refer you to the local Oral & Maxillofacial Unit for a second opinion. Tell him that you have already waited four months and not heard and could you be seen earlier as you are worried. The OMFS specialists will investigate and treat as necessary.

Let us know how you get on.

Best wishes

Vinod

Ok, thanks Vinod for the fast reply, I understand about it not being possible to diagnose over the net.

I spoke to the receptionist at my dentists and she said when my denist is free he will either fit me in asap or refer me straight away.

So I suppose theres nothing left to do now but wait and see what happens. I am definately not going to take no for an answer though

I am trying not to worry. I understand its fairly pointless, and doesn't really do anything to help.

Thanks again,
Russell

I have a small hard lump just below where the jaw line leaves the "ear" curve..it does not move, it is hard and about the size of a blueberry...noticed it because of soreness in area. I have no infections of my mouth teeth intact. no gum problems. ??? what could it be?? anyone with same symtoms??

Hello Jude

Please see your family doctor or dentist. Have you recently been hit in that area?

Let us know how you get on.

Julia