Swelling palate

My palate has been swelling up for a year and a half into hard smooth painful growing lumps and I feel so unwell no appetite sweating 

The roof of my mouth is hurting and sometimes just a dull ache 

I had bowel cancer and was treated in 2023 I felt well for around 7 months then started to get ill again

Mri scan on 15th may reported as normal but palate still swelling up 

Doctor said no more tests but I'm not happy 

  • Hello Michelle and thanks for posting

    I see that you have sent us an email enquiry about this and hope you don't mind receiving a similar reply again.

    I'm sorry you were diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2023,and that you've also been experiencing hard painful lumps on the roof of your mouth for the last 18 months. This must be a difficult time for you especially as the swelling persists and you have loss of appetite, are sweating and generally feel unwell.

    Although a normal MRI scan result is reassuring, it does not explain your persistent lumps and ongoing symptoms. If you haven't already it would be a good idea to ask your doctor to refer you to an ENT ( Ear, Nose, Throat ) specialist for a second opinion.

    I hope you know more soon. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

  • Hi ive been to doctors she said she'll refer me to ENT the mri scan said palate was larger on the right hand side 

  • I've been referred to ENT Im worried that it's the bone of the palate itself will the doctors be able to tell me if it's a primary bone cancer 

  • Hello and thanks for your further post

    When you are seen at the ENT clinic it is likely that the doctor will take a full history and do a physical examination. Depending on the assessment or they may give you an opinion on what they think might be the matter on the day and there may be no need for further tests. If further tests are needed, it may take a couple of weeks to get them organised. I don't think that it is common to get everything sorted in one visit. If they suggest a biopsy, it can take a couple of weeks to get the results.

    I know it's easier said than done but try and take it one step at a time until you know more.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

  • Ent we're no help at all I'm feeling very unwell sweating profusely lethargic constipated no appetite 

  • Im in so much pain in my mouth head and neck 

  • Hi Michelleandrea and thank you for posting again.

    I’m really sorry you are feeling so unwell and in so much pain. That must be very worrying for you.

    Even though your MRI scan in May was reported as normal, your symptoms are still there and you are right to keep asking for help.

    If the ENT team were not helpful, you can go back to your GP and explain that you are still in pain and very worried.

    You may be able to ask your GP or bowel cancer specialist for a review of your symptoms and/or a second opinion. 

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support

    It might help to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline. You can call for free on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

    I hope you know more soon.

    Kind regards

    Tina

  • Im in so much pain and no appetite sweating profusely, constipated, my palate has swollen up more and keeps bleeding 

  • Hello Michelleandrea

    Our nurse team are now out of the office until Thursday morning. If you're worried about your symptoms, please do call your GP tomorrow morning, or you can access NHS 111 for advice and support before then. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hello Michelleandrea,

    I’m sorry you’re continuing to experience these symptoms, especially given how long they've been ongoing and the lack of clear answers. I appreciate how worrying and frustrating this must feel.

    It is reassuring that your MRI scan was clear. However, as nurses on the helpline, we’re not able to diagnose or investigate symptoms, nor are we involved in your care. This means we are limited in the guidance we can provide.

    You have already taken the appropriate steps by seeing your GP and being referred to a specialist. The only people who can assess your symptoms further, review your history, and decide if any additional tests or treatment are needed are your GP and the doctors involved in your care.

    If your symptoms are ongoing or not improving, it's important to go back to your GP and make this clear, including how concerned you are and how this is affecting you.

    If your symptoms worsen or you develop any new symptoms, you should seek medical advice promptly.

    I’m sorry that we’re not able to advise further in this situation, but your GP remains the best person to support you with this.

    Jemma