On 12/3/2006 Ang0821 wrote:
Hi, I am 29 years old and upon going to my dental check-up and cleaning, my dentist noticed a mass near my jaw line (showed up on panoramic x-ray) I was referred to an oral surgeon. It shows up as small white material by the jaw line (thus meaning it is hard/calcified material). I had one opinion from an oral surgeon and he stated that there is a 20-30% chance it could be osteosarcoma of the jaw. I am really worried as I have two very young children at home. He scheduled a biopsy for almost 3 weeks from now. I have another appt for a second opinion, but am worrying myself horribly. I am healthy otherwise, dont drink or smoke, etc. I have no pain or any other symptoms. The oral surgeon said my face on that side seems a little swollen to him, but not majorly (I have had TMJ for quite some time- and clench terribly at night) I cant take waiting 3 weeks for the biopsy and then another 2-3wks to get the results. I am having trouble sleeping from all the thoughts that go through my head about my children if it were cancer. Sorry I just have to vent.
I went to my dentist yesterday for a 6-month cleaning and checkup. A panoramic xray revealed several dark spots below the gumline where, I guess, there should be bone but there no longer appears to be. My dentist has referred me to an oral surgeon for a biopsy (next week). He said not to be concerned and said the possibility of this type of cancer is extremely rare. I'm not particularly concerned because I don't appear to have any other symptoms, though I must admit that occassionally I wonder, "what if it bears out to be cancer, then what will I do?" My husband is particularly unnerved. My uncle suffers from mouth and throat cancer. He has had multiple surgeries, radiation and chemo therapies, barometric chamber treatments, infections, etc. He is my hero and I look to him for inspiration. Just wanted you to know you are not alone.