I noticed a lump on my tongue, right at the back, on my right side. After a couple of weeks, it had grown a little, so saw my GP, who took photos and sent for second opinion. Was referred to see a dentist for them to diagnose and they referred me as urgent to my local hospital. So, in total, it was about 8 weeks from feeling it , to seeing a consultant. Initially, I was told I would have an operation to remove it all, but when I returned, the second consultant did a biopsy . The actual procedure was fine - awkward and a bit uncomfortable, but ok. I was told to take some paracetamol once the local anaesthetic wore off. So, nothing prepared me for the excruciating pain a couple of hours later and being unable to swallow without being in agony. I really wish they had been honest with me, so that I could have been prepared. I'm now day 5 and it is the first day that I can comfortably swallow normal food.