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Lump in neck and Unilateral tonsil swelling

Eddie2021
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Hi All,

29, M, No smoking, No Alcohol, Gym/ exercise regulalary, good oral hygine, Otherwise fit and healthy.

Just putting my story out there and will continue to update in the future. Initially presented to my GP with a unilateral enlarged tonsil on my left side with a lump in the upper jugular (below my ear) area and cobblestone throat. (persisted for about 1 month). I can feel a lymph node, but doesn't feel enlarged, just prominent. Can't feel any other lumps/ lymph nodes. No other significant symptoms apart from a slighly irritated throat causing me to have a tickly cough, no fever, sweats, joint pains etc (Although I've just had COVID too so cough could be related to that...). 

Visited GP, dismissed to 'watch and wait'. No change after 2 weeks, went back to GP who prescribed Penacillin. No change at all after 10 days. 'Watch and wait' for another 2 weeks with no change. Referred 2ww to ENT (Still waiting for appt. after 4 weeks, advised there is at least a 6 week wait....COVID/ Holidays). 

Seen Private ENT performed Endoscopy - All clear. ENT felt neck and said he thinks there is a mass next to the tonsil that is pushing it out (and causing the lump in neck) and referred me for an contrast MRI and FNA (2 week wait even private!) 

It's now been about 2 months since my initial visit to my GP and I'm becoming increasingly concerned at how long a diagnosis is taking, especially if it does turn out to be malignant. I've done as much research as I can (Scientific backgroud...Don't know if that's a belessing or not now!). 

(Given the lack of diagnostic information my current guess is a 2nd Branchial Cleft Cyst but we'll see how that pans out!) 

Thank you for joining me on my journey! Any questions please ask away

Thanks, Ed

  • Hello Eddie2021

    I'm sorry to hear that you're waiting on some investigations and diagnosis regarding a recently discovered lump. we know that for many people this period of waiting and uncertainty and be difficult. Hopefully, your upcoming MRI and FNA will give you some definitive answers and reassurance about what's going on for you. 

    It's easy to fall into the trap of researching information online but until you have a definitive diagnosis it is all what-ifs and maybes. This can make the waiting more difficult and leave people feeling more anxious. We do know that talking can help and I wanted to let you know that if you'd like to speak with one of our nurses about your concerns you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm (excluding bank holidays). 

    Do keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

     

  • Offline

    Hey Ed,

    Whats the latest on your symptoms?

    Im in exactly the same position.

    31, M, non smoker, gym/exercise regularly.

    Suffering with unilateral tonsil swelling on my left side with pain down my neck on both sides (lymph nodes maybe?).

    Had the symptoms for over a month and the GP doesn't know what's wrong. No sign of infection. So I've been referred to ENT, but I've got to wait 10 weeks. 

  • Offline in reply to walsh123

    Hey Walsh,

    Abouut to come on here with an update:

    In January I had an MRI - I have a 6x6cm tumor within the parapharengeal space that is pushing my tonsil into my throat area. 

    Fine needle aspiration came back as 'inconclusive' 

    This is most likely a Schwannoma, Paraganglioma or less likely a pleomorphic adenoma. It's difficult to tell which nerve it arises from, but base off the MRI imaging it is likely the Vegus nerve.

    Next steps will either be surgery, radio therapy or leave it. My preferable option is to have surgery to remove, however this comes at a high risk of damage to the nerves within that area (Cranial nerves 9-12, and symathetic chain). 

    Looking at the MRI, there is no indication of malignancy, although it can turn malignant which is another reason why I'll be choosing surgery. 

    When I was researching, any lump in the neck should be treated as malignant until proven otherwise, I managed to persuade my GP to send me on a 2ww (Although this took about 8 weeks before I saw someone). 

    Hope you get the answers you need soon! 

    Thanks, 

    Ed

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