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Sore throat for 6 Weeks

RebeccaJ91
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Hi All, 

I am looking for some reassurance really, as I am down the rabbit hole on dr google! I have had a sore throat now for 6 weeks. Tonsils aren’t swollen, but back of throat is red and looks like (cobblestone throat). I also have a swollen lymph node in my neck, which doesn’t seem to be getting any bigger, but I also feel like I have soreness/tenderness in neck muscles, on both sides. My anxiety is through the roof! Dr Google says “persistent sore throat” is basically throat cancer!

At 3 weeks I made an appointment at Gp, they told me to wait another few weeks as she thought it could be viral. However after 4 weeks I made another appointment due to my anxiety building. The GP has done a referral to ENT however says I am not high risk so waiting times could be months. I used to smoke from 16 years old until 28, quit when I had my child and have socially smoked since however not regularly. The GP says as I am not a consistent smoker, and under 40 my risk is low. Which I appreciate however I do cancer doesn’t just choose low risk! 

I had bloods done, and a throat swab and all came back “satisfactory” and didn’t flag anything. Which has left me feeling at a bit of a loss. The past few weeks I feel my throat is sorer in the evenings, and my voice is getting a bit hoarse, with the need to clear my throat more often. 

Anyone in the same boat and has any words of encouragement or know what I should do next? 

  • Hi Rebecca

    I was on the 2 week pathway for suspected throat cancer last year (I am mid-50's).  My symptoms were persistent sore throat, hoarse voice at times, constantly clearing my throat and a feeling like I had a lump in my throat sometimes when I swallowed.  I was seen at ENT, had a camera put up my nose & down as far as my vocal cords (this doesnt hurt, so dont worry about it).  I had had my symptoms for 3 months, I was diagnosed that it was a bad flare up of silent acid reflux that was causing all of my problems. 

    As you have a long wait to see ENT, it might pay you to research a bit about what causes reflux and see if you can make some alterations to diet/ lifestyle that may help you.  Some quick things that have helped me, are the following:

    Reduce intake of coffee, chocolate, tomatoes, garlic, alcohol.

    Stop eating at least 2-3 hours before bed.

    Sleep with head raised up on pillows or lie on left hand side (harder for stomach acid to flow upwards into your throat)

    Take Gaviscon Advance liquid before bed (this was recommended by ENT consultant, its an over the counter medicine that you can get in most supermarkets).

    I hope that it all works out well for you, try not to stress too much, that makes reflux worse unfortunately.

    Good luck

    Annie

  • Offline

    Hi there

    Sorry to hear about this, I am in a similar position. Aged 32 female, smoked age 17 - January this year, have smoked socially since but very much switched to vaping. I have no sore throat, just the voice change and random hoarseness/voice loss. I just wondered if you managed to see the ENT and if they've done anything? My GP and I have already tried the acid reflux things and it made no difference. 

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