Hello Alix12 and thanks for your post,

I can understand how unsettling it can be to be given a possible diagnosis of cancer but try if you can not to let your mind run away with you until you know more.

It is good to hear that your father has seen the GP and has been referred under the urgent pathway. No one is going to be able to tell your father any more until he has seen the specialist and perhaps a biopsy has been taken. 

We have some information on our website that helps explains some of the tests your father may have in getting diagnosed.

Try not to overthink it all for now. Your father needs your support and encouragement and it can be helpful to have someone else at the appointment to take in all that the doctor has to say. If you are the next of kin then you can help your father by going to the appointment with him.

They can get a good idea by looking at it as to what it maybe but this will need to be confirmed with a biopsy.

If you or your father would like to ring and chat through any of this with one of the helpline nurses you are more then welcome to give us a call. Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine