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Neck cancer ?

Lyricoflight
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I had breast cancer last year for the 2nd time. I had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy in November.. The last few months I have had a croaky throat and sometimes loose my voice. I asked my oncologist if it could be a side affect of the radiotherapy and he said no. I mentioned it to my GP and she said she is going to refer me to the ENT Department. I was just looking on my online surgery notes and it says I have been referred regarding throat and head cancer and that I had been informed of this. My GP did not tell me this. It's Saturday and I'm freaking out that maybe my cancer has spread. I'm so scared. Last year was hell and I don't think I have the strength to do through that all again. I am disabled and have numerous long term health conditions.

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    I can imagine this must have been very unsettling reading about another possible diagnosis particularly when you were not aware.

    Try if you can to take one step at a time. It sounds like the GP has found something that needs further investigations. You are not going to be able to know more until you have seen the ENT specialists and they have had a chance to do further investigations and perhaps take a biopsy. Often patients are referred under the Urgent Cancer Referral so they are seen quickly. There are usually a large percentage of patients who are referred urgently who don't end up with a cancer diagnosis so try if you can to take one step at a time.

    You may find it helpful to try and ring and speak to the GP about your urgent referral and let them know how concerned this is making you feel.

    Hopefully you will get an appointment with the ENT doctors soon.

    You are very welcome to ring and chat this through with one of the helpline nurses.

    The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine

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