Hello Happycamper and welcome to the forum. 

I'm sorry to hear about the recent problem that you've been having. I'm sure that it has been a worrying time for you. As you say Dr Google will give the worst case scenario but it's good to hear that you recognise that. 

We've quite a few members here who will have been seen as an urgent patient at a Maxilofacial clinic. I'm going to tag in Hazel aka [@RadioactiveRaz]‍ and Ian aka [@Anchor1707]‍ who I hope will see this post before your appointment on Monday. Both these lovely folk have been through treatment for oral cancers and I hope that they will be able to share some information about their first appointments with the specialist. 

Do keep in touch and let us know how you get on on Monday. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator

Hi Happycamper

I'm Ian ( Anchor 1707 ) mentioned by moderator Jenn.

I was diagnosed with throat/tonsil cancer last june ( clear now! ) and I was seen by ENT consultant rather than maxifacial.
While there can be many reasons for symptoms there are best to be checked out if they persist but being referred does not automatically mean anything sinister.

I would suggest you will have obviously have oral examination, some tests done, perhaps a MRI scan and perhaps a scope down throat to examine area further. This is totally painless and you just feel a slight discomfort at best as miniture camera at end of scope projects images. On other hand you may not need and also suggest they might take pics/samples from any lump for further testing but again speculation but just needs checked by specialists as outwith GP skillsets.
I understand/sympathise with your agnst and not knowing but its good that you have an early appointment on Monday.
Please stay off Google over the weekend if you can as there is so much misinformation out there as well as being out of date. Its easy to diagnose any worse scenario on google.
Apologies for not being anymore help but you are in good hands with NHS specialists and wishing you all the best. Please let us know how you get on or post again if you have further questions or want to talk to people here. Always someone willing to help.

regards

ian

Hi ian! 

Firstly congratulations on being all clear and thankyou for your well detailed response. 

Its just fearing the unknown more than anything. I have much more ease of mind after you explaining in such great detail as to what will happen. I will be sure to keep you updated on Monday. Luckily my appointment is first thing so it wont be playing on my mind that day.

Thankyou once again for all your information.

Well wishes, 

Leigh-Anne. 

Hi Happy camper can only 

 echo everything isn  has saidwe been there done it got the t shirt so to speak. I am . This is the most stressful period the not knowing and mind wandering. Keep off google please it does no favours. Both Ian n I have blogs so when you’ve got diagnosis let us know and if need be will give u blog detains. Hoping u don’t need them but we are proof it’s not all doom and gloom 

hazel x

Hi, I've also been referred to the maxifacial clinic for an urgent appointment. I have a lump on my jawbone. (About 3 inches by 2 inches) it's hard and the surrounding area is painful. I feel quite unwell. I was only referred last Wednesday 16/10/19 so haven't received the appointment yet. I'm so worried. I know we have different symptoms but just writing to say I hope and pray both of our outcomes are good ones. Please let us know how you get on x