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A long wait?

Raelli
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Hello.everyone, I hope you may be able to advise me please.

I have noticed a growth or lump with a whitish middle around 6mm diameter on the top of a slightly larger internal lump, around the size of a pea, growing on the top of my tonsil. The tonsil is also enlarged and touching the middle on this side only, it has been the same for around 6 weeks at least. It is not painful but I am aware it is there, it sort of feels like I have strained my thoat or been singing too loud.

My bloods are all clear and I have no other symptoms or signs of illness of fever. I was referred to ENT department which I am happy about, but they have confirmed a wait of around 7 months for initial consultation. 

Is this usual for investigations? I do not want to wait too long without further investigation but equally I do not want to panic and push for further evaluation if this is of little concern. 

Could anyone advise me on this please?

  • Hello Raelli

    I'm sorry to hear that you've had some ongoing concerns with your tonsils recently. it's understandable that you're feeling anxious. 

    We know that many people are experiencing long waits for appointments at the moment. It's worth checking with your GP surgery in the first instance to see if the referral was sent as a routine or an urgent request. You can always then contact the hospital to see if the referral has been accepted as urgent or routine after the team has triaged it and what their waiting times are like. It's always worth asking if they have a cancellation list if you're able to attend at short notice as this can sometimes help to have an appointment sooner. 

    Hopefully, if you're able to get some clarity on this it will give you some reassurance but if it would help to talk things through with one of our nurses you can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    I hope you get some answers soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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