Shadow on gum/jaw, they don't think it's cancer, 2 months wait for scan

[elliejjtiny]

Dentist found a shadow on my 11 year old's gum/jaw on a routine x ray about a month ago. Wasn't sure what it was, could be a cyst, radiologist needs to look at it. Got a phone call today saying they don't think it's cancer but he needs a scan and to see a consultant. Waiting list for a scan is 2 months.

I know it's different but when dh found a lump he went to the gp who said she didn't think it was cancer but still referred him for a scan on the two week pathway and dh was scanned and told he was fine within a week.

I'm hoping this means that dh's "didn't think it's cancer" was a 90% chance of not being cancer and ds's is a 99.99999999999% chance so that's why he doesn't qualify for the 2 week pathway. And the dentist is only saying "don't think so" instead of "definitely not" because she doesn't want to get sued.

It feels like a really long wait though. And if my FIL rolls his eyes at me and says "it's just a cyst" once more I will not be responsible for my actions.

What colour is it on the scan ? I ask because I have one too at the bottom of a root. I was referred Sept 2023 and finally seen June 2024 for another x Ray and CT scan. It's white but they think it is not anything to be concerned about. They will review in a year.

Could you pay for a scan privately? It might be worth it to set mind at ease, I would if I was worried.

It's black, which now I come to think of it is a good sign. It's not next to a tooth root either but it might get in the way of adult teeth coming through so will have to be removed whatever it is.

Poor ds has had 20+ operations already, he's got one next month that I was hoping would be his last.

I'm not sure about private options but I will look into it.

Why are you saying it's a good sign that it's black ? Not to panic you but I thought that was not a good sign - that it could be infection or an abscess?

I thought black was good, because tumours are white. I know infection or abscess isn't good either but better than a tumour. I always used to think of it's a long wait to be seen that's a good sign but recently I've seen a lot of people wait aged for serious problems.

I hope it gets concluded quickly for your teen. I was given a cone beam 3D scan and they still couldn't make up their mind about it but deemed it to be nothing serious. They are going to redo in a year. Mine was only spotted during a root canal and is verging into the ENT area which doesn't help.

Thank you. I think it's a cone beam scan that ds is going to have in 2 months.

I couldn't believe how easy and quick that was to have. It's no different from the 360 scan so nothing to be worried about.

Thank you. Were you allowed to see the images? Just wondering as I googled and the images looked fascinating, so much more detail than the x rays.

To be honest the doctor who saw me afterwards had no clue. She had the images on screen. She pulled her chair forward to me and read out word for word the radiographer's report which was full of terms I didn't understand. I was so taken aback at the time and later emailed them about my unhappiness with the outcome. It was picked up by the head consultant who offered me a face to face or telephone consult. I took the latter and he was able to use lay person's words to explain. He did also say that any concern I had I was to immediately go back to him. They will rescan in a year which will be July or thereabouts. Always advocate for yourself!