HI

On Thursday, I was referred to ENT regarding suspected throat cancer.

Is it common for this type of referral for minor signs?  Fast track, would a GP refer because of low chance?

I need to get some questions ready and was wondering if you could help.

 All vitals/bloods are normal. No infection.

I've had a hard lymph node for some time (Dec 2023). To start with, it felt like a tiny hard stone (half pea size).

Now it is 2.5 cm.

I had mentioned it to dr/nurse each time I went in for something else. Was reassured it was probably an infection and not to worry.

Now, I am concerned that it has grown a lot since then. 

Would I just be referred because of the size of it? Nothing to worry about?

I was surprised about the referral, so didn't think of asking anything. I wasn't particularly worried. Typically, the next day after the initial surprise, started to worry more.

Some symptoms:

Swallowing food feels like it would when you take too big a mouthful - sore and several swallows and can feel like choking, but slowly and food does go down.

Drinking water or something, I swallow, and some of the water doesn't go down straightaway - it feels a bit like drowning, maybe.

Constantly clearing my throat.

I also get times when I try to swallow, and nothing happens.

Those are the main symptoms, I have fatigue, but not constant.

Ear/headache regularly (have to lie in a dark quiet room), not all the time.

To be honest, I didn't really think about it - just odd rather than painful swallowing.

That's it really.

Is it more likely to be nothing, just a routine referral?

Seems like forever and it's only next Thursday.

Thank you