I'm sorry to hear about the lump on your gum MMack, and for the worry it's causing.

I can see you have your appointment at the dental hospital tomorrow so I just wanted to wish you good luck and let you know we'll be thinking of you.

Hopefully some of our members who have been in a similar situation will be along soon to offer their support and advice, but if you'd like to talk any of this through with one of our cancer nurses, they're just a phone call away on 0808 800 4040. Their helpline is open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they will do all they can to support you and put your mind at ease.

If you feel up to it afterwards, do let us know how you get on. We'll have our fingers crossed the lump is no cause for concern.

All the best,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thank you, you are so kind to reply.  I saw my dentist again yesterday as my kids had a check up and she again said she doesnt think its worrying but we will see.  I will let you know how it goes.  In the meantime I will try and stop catastrophising.

Maria

Hi i worked in a dental setting for years (wasn't a dentist). The harsh reality with oral lumps, bumps and patches is, they have to be looked at by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon if they can't pinpoint the issue with 100% certainty. The good news is, almost all turn out to be nothing. I'm not just saying that to calm you down, it's a fact. I've been there myself and mine just turned out to be a normal piece of tissue on my tongue. Albeit, it was enlarged compared to the opposite side. 

We saw a lot of "we're not 100% sure" bumps/lumps and i could count on one hand how many of those referrals turned out to be something sinister. Dentists usually know if something is high risk of being cancerous from just looking at it. You're dentist is just following procedure. I get you're freaked by them doing this, but they have to refer you on.

Thank you very much for replying ProfBaw, it helped to put my mind at ease.  Appointment is later on today so fingers crossed it turns out to be nothing as you say.

Thank you.

Hi, just to update that it turns out it is nothing to worry about.  They think it is related to my other teeth which may need root canal.  The dental student was so lovely and could not have done enough.  The consultant came and spoke to me and although couldnt say what it was, she did confirm it was not sinister.

Thank you for all the advice.