Can anyone tell me how long is acceptable to wait for an operation to remove a lump on my neck after two biopsies which were inconclusive. ENT consultant said on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being serious mine was a 3. I had first biopsy JUne last year and saw ENT consultant at the very beginning of November. I had a pre op on 23 December. I was no 70 on the list then and then in January was no 89. Last week I received a letter from hospital saying they knew I was waiting because my doctor told them I had contacted him and was worried. I am now back to no 70 on the waiting list.The consultant said in November that until he operated he could not tell if it was cancerous.Doctor said 1in4 turn cancerous. Oh and the consultant said if it was there is a good survival rate. I am trying to be calm about this but I do think 17 weeks so far, is a long time time to be worrying.