I have a small (about size of matchstick head)pinkish-white lump that has suddenly appeared on my jaw just below gingiva & above salivary gland beneath the second molar on inner left hand side of jaw (i.e. inside mouth itself). It's not moveable, in fact it feels boney. It's causing no pain (i discovered it with my tongue not by any sensation). It's been there a week. I'm seeing my dentist next week. I'm getting very worried, tho. I'm 31, male, a 20 a day smoker for many years & drink ave 1 bottle red wine a day for last couple of yrs. Is this lump cancer? Should i get an immediate appointment?

Hi Gb04 the best advice anyone can give is to see you dentist. If this appointment is next week I should wait for that. These cancers don't grow very fast so a few more days waiting is not to bad, but you should ask your dentist to refer you to a consultant as they are more equiped to diagnose cancer. I know the waiting is scarry but if you are realy wanted you could pay and this would speed up your diagnosis. I found NHS speed of treatment I got was second to none in all respects. I hope everything turns out well.
Maurice

Hi gb04

Please see your dentist. You may find the descriptions of the normal appearances in the mouth in the article Examination Technique with Normal Findings and Structures Mistaken for Disease helpful.

Do let us know how it turns out.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee:

Apparently it is bone. It must have been there for most of my life. I've just never noticed it before. Incredible but a great relief. Nevertheless, it's made me re-examine my lifestyle over the last couple of weeks.
This is a great website & was in the back of my mind as a small comfort should the news have been bad.

Great news; it is called an oral exostoses .

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee: