Thanks Jen, and to all the others who have replied since my initial post. My swelling hurts like crazy and has since it was small, although as I said, it hurts like I have something stuck in it or like it was burned, more than a dull or sharp pain. Regardless, nothing to do but wait for the biopsy results.

Hi Tim. My biopsy took exactly 7 days. Then I had to have another one unfortunately. Please keep us posted on your results. I have my fingers crossed for you that its not cancer.

Blessings,
Barb~

Well the obvious question here is did you have an x-ray or MRI to determine whether it was a root left behind of a tooth. The biopsy would not remove it - it would need oral surgery for that. Cancer typically does cause pain, although there are exceptions. Infections always cause pain.

Another thing that could cause this is a crack in the root of a tooth. It will cause a fistula to form in the bottom of the root area through the gum (which starts as a pimple - when it ruptures it will drain and the pain will stop). Antibiotics will only be a stopgap measure if this is what you have The solution will require removal of the tooth by an oral surgeon.

Cold sores are yet another thing - they are a form of Herpes and can get inside the mouth as well, especially if you are under a lot of stress. You could practically get herpes just reading some of these posts - lol! Acyclovir is one possible treatment here.

Take a chill pill - I still wouldn't be looking for cancer but you are wise to rule it out early.

It could be osteomyelitis in mandible, just my guess

Tim,
unfortunately you will need to wait for the biopsy to be able to put this to rest. There is NO way you should try to compare what is going on in your mouth with our symptoms. Other than telling you that you did the right thing by following this, it is impossible for anyone to "know" what this is or isn't just by your symptoms. Some of us had pain some did not.

I can tell you that the "sharp boney" thing that broke off does indeed sound like a spicule as Jerry suggested. I had several of these bastards appear during the first year after radiation. Apparently they are caused by a number of things including bone that is undergoing some healing process nearby. They in themselves are not a health problem but they can lead to infections in the gum due to the wound they cause. They go away exactly as yours did, they break off when the underlying tissue has healed.

Don't be afraid to call and urge speed about your biopsy report. Many times the Pathologist has done the job and the delay is in the Dr's office. Go ahead and tell them this is driving you crazy. They sometimes fail to see the stress they cause by being slow.

My biopsy report came back negative. Whew! However, it did disclose that my jaw bone is dead in the area of the swelling so I will be having surgery to clean out the swollen area and scrape away the dead bone so it can heal. It does not sound like fun, but, I am breathing easier tonight. My sincere thanks to all who replied. Your words of wisdom and comfort were greatly appreciated. Best of luck to all.

Best of luck to you too, Timothy. Stay healthy. Amy

Great news about no cancer!