fast track referral for suspected head and neck cancer got first appointment what to expect

so i went to the doctors about my fast heart rate,and when she was doing her checks she found a lump on the left side of my neck... i still cannot feel or see this lump but she was very concerned and ive got my first appointment next thursday but got a ultrasound the day after? is this normal also what can i expect ?? im so nervous and my anxiety is really high thank you 

  • Hi I’m a bit further on than you. I have the same but my lump is big. I had a nasal scope. Then an ultrasound at the same visit. They took a biopsy which failed. I’ve had a ct scan mri scan of neck a pet scan of body and a further biopsy. Am waiting for results of all of them together next week. 
    They won’t take guesses. Yours may be fine on the ultrasound sound and that could be all you’ll need. 

  • Hi, thank you for your response and I have a consultation then day after the scan :/ so abit unsure, but my doctor was like you’ve got a lump she didn’t like the feel of it my blood test was fine but I’m so worried I hope your results are okay x

  • Hi there 

    I think I'm a bit further down the line than you

    My journey started in April with a tender lump on right side of my neck so I went to gp and was told swollen glands and nothing to worry about 

    4 weeks later developed lump on left side of my neck so back to gp I went 

    Gp then referred me on fast track

    I had my consultation 3 weeks later, had the camera up my nose and he said I have a mass behind my nose, also at base of my tongue and in my neck so had ct scan and mri scan that same day 

    Results were inconclusive so I went in for a biopsy on the mass behind my nose, also inconclusive 

    So I have had a fine needle aspiration and also core needle biopsy on my neck and on 2nd September I was told that I've got lymphoma but they can't pin the specific diagnosis 

    I've since had a pet scan and last Mon had an operation to remove my left lymph nodes imy neck, so now I'm waiting for results yet again 

    The waiting and uncertainty is a nightmare, I'm tired all the time and wake up wet through every time I manage to sleep, I cry every waking hour, I don't want to leave the house and I  feel so alone with it all...

    I want to send my love and best wishes to everyone that is going through this...xxxxx

  • Yes you are further along than me.  I’m waiting to be called in next week. Had nasal scope. No comment made to me. Sent straight for FN biopsy. Had MRI with contrast and chest ct scan. The lump has grow fast in my left side of neck under ear. It’s about size of golf ball. Biopsy didn’t collect enough fluid and results weren’t back and he sent me for pet scan. Not sure why. Had core biopsy three days after. Worried sick. 
    Hope you’re ok. 

  • You seem to be having almost identical to the tests I've had and a couple of weeks behind me, I also have quite a large lump just under my ear but on my right side and it was what I called very angry at first but now seems to have gone down a bit. Fingers crossed for you and hopefully you'll get some results soon. I have been assigned a macmillan nurse based at the hospital in Oldham where my tests have been done and I just keep phoning her to find out what's next.

    I am so happy to know that I'm not the only one who is having what seems like a very lonely time dealing with this cause I live on my own and have nobody to talk to, so pleased I reached out today been putting it off for weeks and I will continue to post updates of what is happening so that it may help you know what might be next for you....

  • I too have a McMillan nurse who acts as a go between for the hospital. She’s been very helpful when I’ve panicked. I’m waiting for results this week. When will you receive yours? My lump seems to be growing. Bit worrying really. It wasn’t sore but is now. I’ve been getting a pain in ribs on right side. Could be lungs and am coughing up white. Vague headache and pain under cheeks. Fed up with it all now. Even though I’m married and my hubby is being fantastic I’m still alone really as it’s only happening physically to me. 
    what are your symptoms may I ask. 

  • I'm now waiting on results of biopsy from lymph node they removed but it was only last monday so hopefully by end of this week...the lump in my neck appeared almost overnight and was very painful at first but now a bit less painful...

    I'm also getting terrible pain under my ribs on right hand side which I thought was possibly my lungs so I'm hoping when I get the results from my pet scan I'll know more...

    I'm not coughing anything up but I do have a constant tickly cough and headaches, I'm also having problems with my vision going blurry...soo tired all the time also.

    It's good you have your husband to try and support you, I have tried to talk with my best friend (f) about it but she gets upset which makes me upset so I've been bottling up inside myself which is absolute torture for my mental health...

    Sorry if I don't directly answer a question I'm rubbish at messaging but I'm trying  

  • Hi everyone 

    Having read through the messages here I too am currently in the process of going through suspected cancer pathway.  I found a lump on the side of my neck and made an appointment with my GP.  I had bloods taken, then an ultrasound followed up with a nasal / throat camera check next I had another appointment follow up with a biopsy taken about 10 days ago.  I received an update with a hospital appointment for the 22/10 .  Yesterday I received a phone call advising my appointment had been brought forward to tomorrow 10/10.  Anxious and scared for what I am going to face tomorrow.