Worried I might have throat or oesophageal cancer

in jan 2019 a strange swelling appeared on my neck at the side. Then I realised it was on both sides but worse on the left - visible protrusion. I had various tests including PET CT but was overseas so I don’t know how reliable the tests are... The lumps showed up but were dismissed as an infection. Now, 5 months on, the lumps are still there but reduced slightly. The left one feels sore and hard, hurts to touch, it’s sinewy like a twisted feeling and uncomfortable and seemingly won’t go away. I’ve had turmeric & black pepper capsules all these past two months and taken to drinking alkaline water with some small improvement - but disappointing

it’s less than I expected.

I developed an inexplicable cough and bad chest mid April, but the hospital said it was viral. Blood tests showed raised inflammatory markets, about 4 times the norm. I’ve also felt like I have ear pain at times but there’s no infection.

A cough has persisted since April. It morphed mid June into laryngitis and intermittent hoarseness especially in the mornings with a lot of phlegm and discomfort in both ears. Throughout I’ve had excruciating back ache on the left side  behind the lung (upper back), headaches, several choking episodes and more difficulty swallowing than usual. Now I’m feeling more worried because of keep losing my voice and no infection has yet been found in my body.

In Spring 2012 I’d had a Nissan fundiplication operation because of heartburn, acid reflux, and a hernia. It was terrible recovering from it and seemed impossible to eat for a while. It caused a whole new set of symptoms including swallowing air with every mouthful, burping much more frequently and experiencing repeated bouts of the oesophagus going in to spasm like an airlock. It’s  very uncomfortable and prevents swallowing when this occurs, and causes chest pain - tge only thing that stops it is to vomit, which removes the spasm / airlock. 

I keep getting inexplicable bouts of asthmatic coughing too.

im worried about the combination of symptoms and awaiting a cervical MRI on my neck, and an endoscopy for the upper GI  tract.  NHS seems to be dragging its heels a bit. I’ve had uncharacteristic bouts of depression during mid June as well, with high emotions and tearfulness.  

Does anyone know what these lumps could be and why no clear diagnosis has happened yet in all these months? Any feedback appreciated, thanks.

  • Welcome to the forum Lizzie.

    If numerous tests are being carried out then it can take a little while for everything to come together but once it does, you'll finally get some answers.

    Many of our members know how tough waiting for tests and results can be so will understand what you're going through at the moment and hopefully some of them will be along soon to offer their support and advice. 

    In the meantime try to hang on in there and take things a day at a time.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi there Lizzie - all of this sounds very debilitating & worrying for you & I know how that feels I can assure you. I can't say anything about your symptoms (no medical knowledge), but I think it's fair to say that I feel sure that doctors would be acting much more quickly if they felt unduly concerned.

    You mentioned bouts of depression & I know from very recent personal experience how this can easily impact on symptoms & make them significantly worse. That of course, only worsens everything & before you know it you're in a downward spiral of misery physical & emotional. My GP assured me of this & since I got clear test results only a few days ago my physical symptoms (which were numerous & horrid) have significantly improved. You will feel tearful because you are obviously fearing the worst but again my GP says that 9 out of 10 patients sent for cancer tests come back clear. Why shouldn't you be one of them? :)

    My advice would be to keep as busy as you can doing normal/everyday stuff. That way you'll have less opportunity to focus on all the negative feelings. I hope that this helps you & that you will get it all sorted out very soon.

    Post here when you feel you need to & others will come along to offer advice/support. Best wishes.

  • Dear 'purrfect'

    thank you for you kind thoughts and support which is v.much appreciated.

    I agree with what you say

    Yesterday I was given an appointment for a MRI in the neck area  in July, so hopefully I'll get to the bottom of it all.

    I'm certianly keeping busy!  I'd been seeing doctors overseas on my medical insurance, so its taking time to adjust back into the Nhs.

    All the best