DMZ of the Human Body

Have you ever had a jaw problem? My daughter suffered from a locked jaw issue when she was younger. That was when I learned that the jaw is more like the strip of land between two opposing entities, a health DMZ. We have dental insurance and medical insurance, but it seems like the jaw is a bit of both. I understand that teeth are dental, but why does the jaw get mixed up in that? Perhaps in this case it worked to my advantage since I didn't need my primary care to go to either. This has always bugged me.

Anyways... back to my trip. I made an appointment with my dentist. At least this was quick and easy. An x-ray revealed nothing unusual in my dental structures. After a bunch of head scratching the dentist referred me to an oral surgeon. I love my dentist and the doctor he recommended was one of the best I've encountered.

Just a week later I sat in the oral surgeon's office. I must admit at this point I'm feeling somewhat silly about all of this. Honestly in May I wasn't feeling any pain, just the lump. My neck felt a bit tight, but that was all. I told the doctor how embarrassing it felt to have this smallish bump checked out but he assured me that it is better to catch something when it is easier to resolve.

After more poking and prodding and a more thorough x-ray he recommended that I get a CAT scan. He was so helpful lining it all up with my medical insurance. When the results came back he called me personally to report the findings. I was impressed.

The good news was there was no tumor! The bad news is that didn't really help to figure out the actual problem. The radiologist noted that there was quite a bit of narrowing of the duct and would need to be looked at more closely. Oh dear! This is like a progressive dinner. Next stop... ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) doctor. It also meant that my primary had to get involved again, sigh. I'm hoping this part goes smoothly.