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 

Parents
  • 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

  • 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 

  • 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

  • My next appointment with GP is on the 25th of June 

    I've been referred to maxillofacial appointment on the 7th July 

    The mri scan is being reviewed again 

  • Hi Micchelleandrea and thank you for posting again.

    I’m really sorry you are feeling so worried.

    It makes sense that reading something like that has scared you.

    The article you found is about a very rare case.

    It is not something that happens often.

    Most people with symptoms like yours do not have this.

    Having the same symptoms does not mean you have the same illness.

    Many common and less serious conditions can cause similar symptoms.

    It’s also important to remember that doctors do not make a diagnosis from symptoms alone.

    They look at scans, tests, and your full history to understand what is going on.

    If you are worried, the best thing to do is speak to your doctor or nurse.

    You can show them the article if it helps, and they can explain what applies to you and what does not.

    I'm not sure if you have any support at home. Someone you can talk to and relay your fears to. If not

    maybe you could join a support group near you.

    I hope you get some reassurance soon

    Kind regards

    Tina

  • Im so unwell palate has swollen right up im getting deep bone pain in the roof of my mouth and forearms and hips sweating profusely constipated lethargic no appetite 

    I do have support 

Reply Children
  • Hi Michelleandrea, 

    I am so sorry to hear you are feeling so unwell and the palate has swollen, you are in great pain and feeling lethargic. As it's the weekend, our nurses won't reply straight away but I would strongly advise you ring 111 for out of hours medical advice. It sounds like this needs looking into especially as your palate is swollen and you are not feeling well so do ring 111 and try and talk to a doctor if you can over the weekend. 

    I hope that things improve for you quickly and that you feel better soon. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator