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.