To Katrina Ramsell -
 
        A cyst in the mandibular area may be one of three things, all of which
should be checked out.  Enlarged lymph nodes may often be seen in this area -
while lymph node enlargement may be due to infection in the mouth or bad teeth,
a common cause of lymph node enlargement in this region is lymphosarcoma.
Another cause of cysts in this area are enlarged indeed, cysts.  Cystic apocrine
glands are commonly seen in ferrets and feel like small fluid-filled marbles.
They are benign growths which often require surgical removal, as they continue
to fill with fluid and grow bigger.  Eventually, they may rupture, resulting in
a pretty remarkable inflammatory response in the skin.  The third, and least
likely possiblity is a blockage or rupture of one of the ducts of the salivary
glands in that area.
 
        I would suggest having your vet remove this growth for evaluation by a
pathologist.
 
       Bruce Williams, DVM                 Department of Veterinary Pathology
       [log in to unmask]         Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
       (202) 782-2600/2602                 Washington, D.C.  20306-6000
[Posted in FML issue 1081]