Hi. I'm Nick, 46 year old male living in Coventry but originally from Essex.

I first noticed a lump in my neck in November 2024, at first I thought it was a swollen gland due to a throat infection, but, the throat infection disappeared but the swelling didn't.

The GP placed me on a course of antibiotics to tackle a potential infection, when this was not successful, I was given a two week referral to ENT at the hospital.

8 months later, yes, 8 months, I have been diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma, unfortunately, the lump in my neck is the secondary site with the primary not showing up on the PET scan.

It was decided that the best course of action was to have Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) to remove the lining in my throat, remove a part of the esophagus, several suspicious areas from the back of my tongue and a Tonsillectomy to boot!

I am now awaiting the results (2 days from now) from the surgery to advise if the primary source was found and discuss the next chapter of treatment.

Not been able to eat a solid meal in 2 weeks due to dysphagia, had 2 bouts of haemorrhaging from the surgery site, mental health is rock bottom, starting to wish I hadn't had the surgery!