Bricking it

Hi everyone, found this chat forum while doing some research.

I went to my GP last week as I've got a mouth ulcer that hasn't healed. He had a look at it and said he was referring me to the maxillo facial dept at hospital. I received an appointment letter the next day and my appointment was 4 days away. I turned up at the hospital and the consultant examined my mouth tongue and neck and then said it could be a number of things, but she was going to refer me for an urgent biopsy. My biopsy is a few days away and I don't know what to expect in terms of results.

Has anyone had a biopsy done and it turn out to be something other than cancer? Just trying to prepare myself as best as I can 

 

Thanks

 

Adz

  • Hi Adz. 

    Welcome to the forum and I'm sorry to hear that you've been having problems with this ulcer.

    It sounds as if your GP and the hospital are moving quickly to find out what is causing the problem. That's great as hopefully it'll mean that whatever treatment is needed can be arranged quickly. 

    It's impossible for us to say what the cause could be. From what you've said the Consultant who examined you wasn't entirely sure either. Hopefully now once you've had your biopsy you won't have to wait long for the results. 

    We know that this period of time when you're waiting for tests and results can be particularly difficult and cause people a lot of worry. Try to avoid looking online. As lots of our members here know, Dr Google is notoriously bad at getting things wrong. It will only cause more worry. 

    Do pop back and let us know when you've had your results and if we can help with information or connecting you with other members who have had similar experiences we will certainly try. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Hi Adz,

    I was at a Cancer conference last year when one of the speakers said that GPs are expected to refer patients down the cancer diagnostic pathway if the likelihood of cancer being diagnosed is as low as 5%.

    Logically this means that the number of people being referred for diagnostic tests and scans who turn out NOT to have cancer could well be as high as 95%. This may seem high but in the past the threshold for referral was higher and many people (including me) weren't diagnosed before the cancer had spread.

    I was referred for a colon biopsy a few years ago with a query of bowel cancer - it turned out to be something completely different and was controlled and cured using simple medication. The cancer I now have is in a different part of my body and is unconnected with my earlier cancer scare.

    I hope this helps - good luck with the biopsy results.

    Dave

     

  • There are different things that can cause mouth ulcers, and, even if it is cancer there are lots of different possibilities.

    I know how I felt, when you know something is wrong but not how wrong and that feeling in the pit of your stomach that makes everything just wrong.

    You may need to face some difficult times- but you're not alone, you will have help and you will be supported. 

    I'm sorry things are hard- talking to people, avoiding internet advice (well, the in-general Googley kind) and remembering to breath will all help.

    Hope you get the information you need soon. A lot of help is out there.

    Tas