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Swollen tonsil

Tyhoic
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Hiya, I'm new and thought I'd make a post here to keep track of things and possibly get other peoples experiences. 

 

So I'm 29 and I've had a swollen tonsil for 2 months that I've noticed. 

I think I also have swollen glands in my neck. However I've had this for such a long time that I can't even remember when I started. 

I've had HPV before and from my understanding it lays dormant in your system, however I'm not quite sure if one strain of this means you also have others etc. 

I am also a smoker. So basically the perfect candidate to get Tonsil cancer  

I called the doctors about the swollen tonsil on my left side after noticing it again and consulting Dr. Google about it. 

I got an urgent referral to the ENT and they rang the same day with an appointment for me. 

Now I'm just waiting on going to the appointment. I have no clue what will happen here. Is there a certain process they follow? 

  • Offline

    Hi

    I have been through what you are going through  minus the HPV, and so far the not knowing was the worst.  Your mind goes mad with millions of thoughts.  So I really empathise with you.

    I would expect that there is no definitive path that is followed as my path has so far been so completely different to most.

    Keep in mind that neck cancer is rare, more so in someone under 50.  9 out of 10 sent for tests come back negative. 

    I saw the doctor following a long term uncomfortable throat,  enlarged tonsil and swollen lymph node. 

    2 weeks later I saw the ENT. He did relevant tests camera up the nose etc and sent me for a CT scan.

    I had a brain, neck and chest CT scan on 18th December. 

    22nd December l was booked for an MRI and ultrasound for 5th January 2021.

    New Years Eve 2020 phone call from ENT confirming cancer,  very apologetic it was over the phone.  Booked in for Covid test and pre assessment 4th Jan and tonsillectomy biopsy on 7th Jan. Covid results came back same day, negative. 

    Went for my ultrasound on 5th, ended up also having a needle biopsy and 3d jaw xray.  The biopsies are to find out what cancer it is.  Multi Disciplinary Team may be meeting today and may cancel my tonsillectomy until results of needle biopsy are in, results are taking about 7 days at mo.

    As you can see, if they truly suspect something they move swiftly.   I hope someone else replies, you will see each path is individual.  You can have all the tests and still be negative for cancer.

    Stay off Dr Google!   Good luck, I truly hope all goes well for you.

     

  • Offline in reply to DragonFach

    Thanks for your response! 

    That sure sounds like a lot of tests. 

    Did the camera up your nose hurt? 

    How long was your first appointment with ENT? 

    I'm trying to factor in some childcare for my appointment. 

     

    Honestly, I can't say Google is all bad. It helped me to realise there was a problem, where as 2 months ago when I first noticed it I wasn't that bothered. I didn't realise it could be any issue until I googled it. 

    I'll try to stay off until I get answers though because I can easily send myself into a panic! 

     

    I hope you get a good outcome from yours! 

  • Offline in reply to Tyhoic

    Hi Chloe, how are you?

    Have you had your ENT appointment through?

    Sorry for the delay with replying, it's been a mad week.   They went ahead with my tonsillectomy,  they removed my good tonsil and biopsied the cancerous tonsil and tongue.  Ouch! :)

    My ENT appointment was about 20 minutes.  Not much waiting around due to covid.  Of course each hospital and appointment is different. 

    The camera up the nose just felt wrong and slightly uncomfortable,  wouldn't say it was painful, not for me anyway.  I believe they can offer a numbing nasel spray. 

    You are right Dr Google can be helpful if, like any tool, it is used wisely and correctly.   Sadly most people get carried away with it.  I myself have been guilty of that in the past :)

    Keep me posted 

    Al

     

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