Can anybody shed some light on medical jargon?! Throat / ENT

Have finally received MRI results from ENT.  And have to have another as seems that an area was not clear.

 

I found out by chance when calling GP for unrelated matter, and GP said that area between Thyroid and larynx was unclear.  Did not mention anything else, no sense of urgency so assumed nothing to worry about from him.  (Whilst I am sensitive to the plight of GP's and consultants, I have spoke to this particular GP at least 5 times over the last month at length and he never remembers me or my situation.)

 

Anyway, I requested an email of MRI report, and it's contains the following;

 

Interval development of a 3.0cm polyp or retention cyst in the alveolar recess of right maxillary sinus.  Interval development of the mucosal thickening in the front bilateral sinus and anterior ethmoid complex.  No fluid. 
 

Incompletely imaged crescent is focus of T2 prolongation along right lateral margin of trachea at t1 level.  
 

Reactive appearing bilateral level 1 nodes. 
 

And then lots of other bits that are stated unremarkable, which I assume to be normal. 
 

now I have literally no idea what any of this means and have tried googling with no joy.  My consultant does not respond to emails, I am just told to wait.  His secretary told me that my results were not raised as urgent, so they are nothing to worry about.

 

I am relieved that there is no urgency, but at same time frustrated that I feel worse with each passing day and don't know what step to take next.  I am also frustrated that I have been to GP with recurrent sinusitis many times over last few years and it has never been considered to check out the cause of this.  Is the polyp a large size? Is it something that should be removed?  I know that I have been complaining of nose / forehead / cheek / teeth / ear pain, and eye issues for some time and nothing was mentioned, purely given a course of anti-biotics. 
 

My throat pain is also getting worse and I feel so fatigued and run-down.  
 

Please, if anybody has had similar I would appreciate advice on what this report means and what to do next.  I started out quite optimistic but now am feeling quite down about the whole situation.  I'm only 36 and feel like a 90 year old! 

 

  • Hi DG83,

    I'm sorry to read about how things are going at the moment. Unfortunately I'm not able to advise on what the report means - it's really only the doctor/consultant who can do this, which is why they normally explain everything. As they have said it's not urgent, try not to worry too much at this point. I know this is easier said than done especially given how you are feeling.

    You mention you need to have another scan - this will therefore give you an opportunity to get all the information, and an appointment to discuss what it means with the doctor or consultant. You can use this as a chance to ask any questions you have, and hopefully find out all the information you need. This is the best way to get answers, as Googling is rarely helpful or specific.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator