Suspected thyroid cancer

I was referred to ENT on 2nd September with suspected laryngeal or thyroid cancer. The larynx were clear so the ENT surgeon referred me for a thyroid U/S. Unfortunately he only referred me as a routine so my GP contacted the hospital and asked for it to be expedited, he was told no, there is no need. I asked my GP to refer me to another hospital which he did as an urgent yesterday. I have a family history of lung cancer, My mother, sister, and 2 nieces all died way to young with lung cancer and I am extremely worried that I have either got thyroid cancer which has spread to my lungs or vice versa. I have swollen lymph nodes the size of half a boiled egg on my chest, collar bones and neck and I have burning like there's a fire going lit in my chest and throat. I have all the symptoms of cancer. exhaustion, breathing difficulties (my oxygen levels are only 93%) and I just feel awful to be honest. I am very concerned that I have already waited 4 weeks since the first referral that went wrong and now I may have to wait another 2 or more weeks for a U/S scan. But I am not sure if a U/S scan is the right way to go because if this started in my lungs then surely I need a CT scan and that would show any cancer in my neck/chest area. All that I have had so far is a chest xray which was clear, but I have read that chest xray can be clear in cases of cancer. I am really worried that I could have an aggressive cancer but I am just being left to sit here waiting at home. Any advice please? Thank you    

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your situation. It can be very unsettling waiting to find out the cause of symptoms.

    I am sorry that you are again waiting to be seen.

    The ENT doctor at the last hospital advised you to have a thyroid scan. There must have been indications as to why you needed this scan so I can only suggest that you discuss this with your GP who may have more information.

    An ultrasound is a good way of assessing a lump and working out if something needs further investigations or a biopsy.

    Try if you can not to over think it all for now. There are other conditions other then cancer that may be the cause of your symptoms.

    If of course your symptoms do get worse then contact your GP or NHS 111 to let them know.

    Do give the nurses a ring on the helpline if you would like to talk things through. The number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine

  • Thank you for coming back to me Catherine, as everybody in this position knows it is the waiting that's the worst. Once I get a date for my scan I will have something to focus on, but the waiting is really frustrating, if the mistakes hadn't been made I would have had the U/S by now. Thank you for the re-assurance! Take Care