I wanted to post here, as I've spent a very anxious two week referral wait scanning forums like this for positive news. I am a 40 year old woman, non-smoker (since my teenage years) and moderate drinker (my GP said I was slightly over my weekly units which was a surprise and I have since remedied), and have had a one sided sore throat for around eight weeks, accompanied with a swollen lymph node on the opposite side of my neck for around four weeks.

I contacted the GP after about three weeks of the sore throat and was assured it was an infection that would ease with rest, and then contacted them again when my lymph node popped up—again, I was told it was an infection. I've never had any lymph nodes swell in the past so hadn't been previously aware of them.

I was then prescribed antibiotics, and at the same appointment had a throat swab which later showed no obvious infection present. My right tonsil—the side of the sore throat—was enlarged on examination, and all of this combined prompted the two week emergency referral to the ENT clinc.

While I was taking the antibiotics, I also took an antihistamine (as advised by the GP) as I had a mild skin reaction, and my sore throat eased by about 80%. I didn't put two and two together though, and as I stopped both antihistamine and antibiotics at the same time, my sore throat returned. My lymph node hadn't gone down at all, and five weeks later it's still inflamed.

It was only within the two week wait when my hayfever was particularly bad, that I re-started the antihistamine and realised that it had also helped ease my throat. For anyone experiencing similar symptoms, it could be worth trying an over-the-counter antihistamine to see if it goes some way to helping. Keep in mind there are various active ingredients, so if one doesn't work, maybe try another.

I had my referral today, and the lovely Consultant who examined me via camera, was sure it was all normal—perhaps a combination of allergies and also an initial infection that was lingering, as he could see slight inflammation but nothing sinister (I have a one year old who brings home a host of nursury bugs). I was also given a sinus rinse to help alleviate symptoms—again you could try this to see if it helps before the panic sets in!

I just wanted to reassure anyone in my position who has had a persistant sore throat on one side only, also perhaps with swollen lymph nodes. It's not always cancer, despite what Google may have you think. I've been so consumed with worry and it's ended in a clear diagnosis—I wish you all the same!