Hello, I am new here. I found a lump in my jaw over a year and a half ago when I was pregnant. I assumed it was a lymph node because I was so sick. It sisn't go away when I had my daughter so I went to my internist. He said it didn't feel like anything to worry about. Just what I wanted to hear!!

A couple of weke ago I went to an ENT because I was concerned that the lump was still there and seemed a bit bigger. He sent me for x-rays and a CT scan. They saw a large cyst on my lower right jaw. They are sending me into NYC to a specialist in head and neck oncology/reconstructive surgery because the cyst is on the jaw bone.

Here are my questions:

Can a cyst be cancer? The ENT was unclear about what exactly he saw. I called him after my appointment but he hasn't returned my phone calls.

If the cyst wraps around under my jaw, will I have my jaw removed?

The ENT didn't send me for any blood work. SHould I request some? Is that standard?

Is there anyone out there who had/has cancer of the lower mandible?

I know that no one is really going to give me medical advice online and I am seeing a specialist at the end of this week but if you could give me feedback I would appreciate it.

I am SOOOOOO scared. I have two little babies - a 3 year old with autism and a 9 month old. If I am dying I don't have anuone around who is capable of taking care of my autistic son.

Be at ease -- It is very unlikely that you are dying -- Even if it is some kind of cancer and you have to have jaw surgery, it's not the end of the world, just the beginning of a new world, as you can see by the number of us who are here and very much alive -- It's not cancer until someone takes a biopsy, by minor surgery or fine needle aspiration (aka FNA) and looks at it under a microscope and SEES cancer -- There are a number of things it might be and cancer is only one of them.

If it is cancer, there are still a number of ways to deal with it; none of them fun, of course, but not life-threatening.

Blood work would be only if ENT or specialist thinks it's needed -- My ENT and surgeon only cared about blood work as a pre-surgical tool, not as a diagnostic tool for cancer -- I don't know anything about cysts.

Sorry your ENT isn't more in tune with keeping you posted on what it might be so you don't have to worry so much -- On Monday, bug the heck out of his office until he calls you back -- It will give you something to do about it all and maybe he will learn to treat his patients with a more caring attitude.

Amen Pete. Get your mind on the positive side of things Blue. Save your strength for worries until and if you need them. Just think about your 2 babies for now and enjoy life.

[quote=blue]Is there anyone out there who had/has cancer of the lower mandible?[/quote]

Use the Search utility on the upper tool bar and try "mandible" for a number of folks who have had the work done.

Blood work would be used if it was a cyst to check the white cell count and neutrophils,which could indicate infection.Cysts can be in place for a considerable time and do indeed grow bigger.I would just like to say if the lump has been visible and palpable for such a long time ,then it would likely have caused more problems in other places if it was cancer.

Petes right.dont try to second guess,just try to keep calm and the week will fly by, and most of all don't ever presume that a diagnosis of cancer is an automatic death sentance,if that was the case these boards would sure be empty.

good luck and take care.
liz

liz

Blue

Welcome to OCF. You will find lots of support here to help ease your mind. Although the OCF memebers mostly are not medical professionals, they do know quite alot about oral cancer, treatments and side effects. Personally I am not familiar with what you are describing, but I am familiar with being a single mom and going thru the cancer battle.

Where are you located in NJ? Where are you being seen? Is it a cancer center?

Please try to calm down. When you worte about dying, thats a very scary thought. Even if and thats a huge IF what you have is cancer it doesnt mean that you will die from it. Cancer doesnt mean a death sentence. Sure, its hard to go thru but it can be done.

Please do your self and your children a favor and put this out of yoru mind as best you can. Worrying will only drain you and will not change the outcome. You are blessed with two young children who depend on you for everything. Dont let this scare steal your time from them. Enjoy your children.

Wishing you the best luck with your tests. Please keep asking questions and posting. We will help you thru this.

Ditto what Christine and the others said. Take it one step at a time - and be happy they are using the term cyst rather than tumour!

No one wants that nasty C word attached to their name and certainly not a mother of young children. Don't be afraid to be very direct with your physicians - tell them what you are thinking or fearing and ask them to be clearer.

Looking forward to hearing what the doc has to say when he calls back - try to update us if you can. In the meantime, breathe slowly, keep yourself busy (as if you aren't already!) and try to relax.

Donna