X-ray shows lesions, what next?

[2023issucky]

Dd2 is having braces which included the normal X-rays.
We received a copy of a referral letter from her orthodontist to an ENT specialist. It says they have found a radiopaque lesion in maxillary sinus area.
They haven't called us, it was a shock and now we don't know what happens next.
Anyone had this and all been ok?
We are trying not to panic or google. Not sure what we do from here.
Haven't told her as don't want to worry her.

Hi Doctor here,
Usually a lesion like this is found as an incidental finding. If she is asymptomatic it is likely a odontomas, a collection of enamel and pulp. She will likely need additional scans to confirm and will probably need surgery to get it removed. I really wouldn't worry as it sounds unlikely to be anything to concerning. However, I would call them tomorrow go see what they think are the next best steps.

Thank you, that's good to hear. She has some previous issues that might be linked, but her medical history is a little complex so they haven't really thought much of it. Previously when's she's needs tubes down her nose they have been unable to get down one side of her nose.
She also has moments where her sight goes and the edges go black. They had put this down to migraines.
Am I best to call ENT? Or the refer?

You can try and call both but while a referral is going through you may get pasted from pillar to post.
Its interesting to here about the inability to pass a tube down one side of her nose. These kind of things can lurk for many years as they are very rare many doctors would never put the symptoms together.
I am sure the ENT specialist will be able to read the report and put a plan together for you, if you are going via NHS and they are keeping you waiting just keep calling and they might be able to get you in sooner.

Thank you for the advice. She has an appointment for next week. So pretty speedy. The letter did say the appointment is viewable on their system so assume the ENT has already looked at it

Appointment says allow 3 hours for tests so assume they will be able to tell quite quickly what it is.
Thanks again for the advice.

I am glad its all getting sorted. I would love an update when you find out exactly what it is.

Seen today, they can't confirm what it is, said could be a cyst. X-rays from 2020 showed the same thing but it has grown since. I assume it was missed as it right at the start of covid and all her dental work was paused.
Been told they will ask for an urgent CT scan to be done and a follow up appointment after that. So not really any clearer than we were last week. We did ask if they could tell us if it was sinister, she said they just could t be sure till scans were done.

That sounds really annoying. I know its hard to rule out but just keep in mind that if it was present on a 2020 scan it is very unlikely to be sinister. Did they say why it had been missed? Also did they say if it had grown?
Hopefully you should get more clarity once the CT has been completed, you can tell almost instantly if it is a cyst as they are fluid filled rather than solid mass.
I hope your daughter isn't too worried.

They didn't say why it was missed, and yes it's grown since first X-ray.
I can only assume they didn't check X-rays properly, we had just had all the stuff done ready for braces when covid hit, and we just got a letter saying all treatments cancelled. Taken 3 years to get back to the same point. ENT also didn't know if it will delay her dental treatment.

Finally got results this week. It's a cyst and they are happy to leave it for now. Off to start braces treatment today so she's happy too. Thank you for support

Thank you so much for this post. Just going through this right now as it was picked up during my general dental check up. I have a specialist appointment next week. Going through all the scenarios in my head while also trying not to. A week seems like a lifetime right now so your post was very helpful ❤️🙏