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Tonsil cancer recent diagnosis

JP2024
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Hi

I am new to this forum. I had a lump removed from my neck last week, a lymph gland where they found squamous cell carcinoma. This was a secondary so next step was to locate the primary. CT scan has shown no evidence of the spread elsewhere which is great news. Didn’t show primary either but various “oscopies” yesterday found my left tonsil was quite hard. Biopsy has been taken but the consultant seems to think this is likely to be the primary. I have an appointment week after next to discuss treatment. I’d like to think one option is to remove my tonsils and that would be the end of it. Is that taking a positive outlook too fat? Just wondered if anyone else had similar experience. Consultant did say at the outset before this week’s tests that surgery wouldn’t be needed treatment would probably be radiotherapy and possibly chemo. He said yesterday he would be amazed if he couldn’t cure this. More good news. 

  • Hi JP2024 and welcome to the forum.

    I'm glad that the CT scan has shown no evidence of the spread although I'm sorry that the various tests you've had are showing your left tonsil to be quite hard.

    Hopefully other members who have experience of squamous cell carcinoma or have been in a situation where the primary was difficult to locate will be along soon to offer their support and advice but do have a go at using the 'search forum' option in the blue bar above to look for similar discussions to your own.

    It's great that the outlook is positive JP2024 and I hope all goes well at your appointment to discuss treatment.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi JP

    welcome to the club I finished my last radiotherapy session on Friday 35 sessions and 2 chemotherapy sessions.

    i have written a blog www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com

    my diagnosis the same consuktantbsaid we can cure this treatment is difficult but outcome should be excellent I was diagnosed hpv16 +as well you will have lots of questions send me a friend request if you want or just read my profile lots of people on here can help [@Vatch]‍ is pretty good he is 4 years from diagnosis 

    don’t know where u are I am West Yorkshire, Leeds one bit of advise try and put weight in now while you can eat. 

    hazel

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    Hi there JP 2024 and welcome to a very select group - thise with primary tonsil cancer - only 450 cases a year - very small compared to breast/prostate cancer.

    This is a very scarey time  - the waiting to start treatment - what will happen? How will I cope? Will I get through? There are so many questions yiu nust have and thats where this forum comes in - were here to help and just listen.

    My hubby was diagnosed with SCC tonsils in Dec 2015 after a lump appeared on the right side of his neck. A big surprise as he is a tea total , non smoking , gym going vegetarian! How does that work. Like you we were told by the consultant that the treatment is tough but he can be cured. After 5 cycles of chem and 30 fractions of VMAT radiotherapy plus surgery he has been in remission and cancer free for 2 and a bit years. 

    As a select group I can see that [@RadioactiveRaz]‍ has been along to offer support - her blog is definitely worth a read and [@Vatch]‍ also has loads of advice and support to offer. If you feel like asking any questions or a chat then send me a friend request and I’ll do my best to help.

    Good luck and best wishes as you start your journey 

    Emma 

     

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    Hi, I've been searching all evening to find people in the same boat as I've found myself in.

    primary in left tonsil and left lymph node

    Can I ask what stage you were diagnosed at?

    next week I'm having biopsy on tonsil and radiotherapy was mentioned ,but I guess they won't know for sure till they've had a proper look.

    had you had lump in neck for long before it was taken seriously ?

  • Offline in reply to London1

    Hi JP/London

    I was diagnosed with tonsil caner last June and took around 6mths before diagnosis from symtoms with a mis dioagnosis and wrong medication in between, but hopefully thats rare.
    We are all different so difficult to say what treatment plan you will have and will be decided by consultant and support team.
    No to alarm you and your consultant has already mentioned additional treatment and not really sure if it would just be left with tonsil removal.
    On the postive side, while treatment/recovery can be challenging , as your consultant says, its pretty much curable and the success rates of this type cancer are high and there is light at the end of the tunnel. There are quite a few stories on here of people going through treatment and coming out the other end with a positive result. I'm one of them

     I have also written a blog, warts and all and logged my journey from the get go.
    Will give some indication on what to expect as weeks go by and although we are all different, its pretty much same side effects etc for all. Also a section with tips picked up along the way.Hope helps and keep us posted with progress. There is a lot of willing helpful people on here who will be here for you throughout treatment and beyond.

    radiotherapythroat.home.blog

    kind regards
    Ian

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