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Please help! Dentist found a lump!

6 replies

nettletea5 · 26/11/2023 14:42

Hi, just wondered if anyone knows anything about this at all- I understand nobody can specifically comment on the exact situation but just any sort of general knowledge about it would be really appreciated.

my dad (70s) was at the dentist where he noticed a lump under his jaw. Unfortunately my dad doesn’t have the best memory and can only remember bits but is slightly worried about it now. He thinks the dentist mentioned something about a swollen lymph node, but then later said it might be a chronic infection under the tooth? They tried to x ray it but my dad wasn’t sure if the x rays were inconclusive because of the position of the lump or if they were conclusive but the results were suspicious/dodgy. He was referred to the hospital and was surprised to have an appointment already for this week. it’s for the oral/maxillofacial team. Does this sound like the dentist is concerned it could be cancerous? My dad has got himself mixed up and isn’t now sure what they’re referring the lump for IYSWIM, he thought if it was a chronic infection the wait time would be longer but that will be less than 2 weeks between being seen at the dentist and his hospital appointment. And he thinks something was mentioned about a lymph node but again he’s not sure now.

The dentist is closed tomorrow but obviously he’ll call once they reopen, just in the mean time if anyone has any knowledge or experience at all it would be really appreciated!

OP posts:
DustyLee123 · 26/11/2023 14:50

Sounds like he’s been referred under the 2 week rule, so I’d guess that it’s a possibility, among other possible causes.

plumtreebroke · 26/11/2023 14:54

Likely a swollen lymph gland, I tend to get them if I have a sore gum or if I'm run down. The dentist has offered to refer me but they go down after a few days so I haven't taken them up on it. It would probably be gone by the time I got the appointment!

Can you feel the lump, mine come up like a nodule just behind the jaw line on either side and go down again once whatever the cause is resolves itself.

Hopefully it's just something simple like that, but good it's a quick appointment.

RareApricity · 26/11/2023 15:09

Would you be able to be there on a speaker call when your dad calls in tomorrow? It all seems quite vague and I can understand why you are both concerned. It could be very helpful to you both.

LaraMargot · 26/11/2023 15:17

My dentist referred me. The consultant scanned and gave me the all clear. Always wise to be cautious.

LatteLady · 26/11/2023 15:23

It could be many things from an infection to a blocked sub lingual gland. Your dad has been referred to the most appropriate team to find out what it actually is. I would agree with @DustyLee123 that this is a referral under the two week rule. Until he is seen and investigations undertaken, there really is very little that we can say to assure you but, you should know that you have a very conscientious dentist to pick this up and refer him so quickly.

marmaladegranny · 26/11/2023 15:24

My dentist referred me for a lump he found - fast track to maxillo-facial for biopsy. Thankfully all clear.

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