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Confused

SLDom
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I was referred to the ent on a 2ww pathway for suspected head and neck cancer. I have just been to see the specialist and he went through my history etc. I had a neck, head,throat exam, and camera to look in the throat. The specialist said there was nothing concerning found in the throat, and he will book an appointment for  a MRI (6 weeks ) I asked if anything was found would I need surgery and he replied no it would be medical treatment? I then asked if the MRI would show anything sinister and he said he wasn’t looking for anything sinister, does this mean he’s not looking for cancer? I’m confused, happy, but still none the wiser!

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    It is difficult to give an opinion as we are not involved in your care but it does sound like you were referred under the urgent referral pathway because of your symptoms.

    ENT doctors are trained to assess the area and to look in to it in much greater detail then your GP is able to do so.

    In assessing the area the specialist has not come across anything worrying but to make sure he is sending you for an MRI.

    Patients are often referred under the 2 week wait and so if there is something serious such as cancer then it can be diagnosed and treated quickly. The majority of patients seen via this route don't end up having cancer. We do have some information on our website about what an urgent referral means which you may find helpful to look at here

    I hope this helps.

    All the best,

    Catherine

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