Worried I Have Throat Cancer

Hi, needed to vent my worries somewhere so here I am!

 

Over 12 months ago I ended up with tinnitus in 1 ear with some ear pain. I put it down to possibly damaging my hearing with having a headset on too loud playing my computer.

 

Just before lockdown in early March I mentioned it to the doctor who referred me to an ENT (private hospital working for NHS). I spoke to the ENT over the phone in August about my symptoms and also mentioned a sore throat that had been bugging me. An MRI was arranged which I had pretty much less than a week after speaking to the Ent specialist.

 

Not long after the MRI scan I noticed my throat pain was worse I also have ear, eye and sinus pain. Glands feel really swollen. Also can see redness and what look like blisters or small lumps at the side of my tongue and throat (same side I have the problem with the ear).

 

Given the change in symptoms I chased my MRI results only to be told that my follow up appointment was January 2021!! I've pleaded my case about just wanting to know my MRI results but the best I could get was the follow up appointment being brought forward to the end of November.

 

Frantic with worry I rang my GP up and after hearing that I was experiencing a sore throat for over 4 weeks that he'd arrange a camera down my throat to see what's going on. Thankfully that's been arranged quickly (tomorrow) but I'm in an absolute state of panic.

 

My fears are I have left it so long that it's spread. The thought of being butchered in surgery leaving me unable to speak or eat properly and in turn not able to work to keep a roof over my family's heads. Sinus issues have caused me problems in the past and I'm fearful it's started from there which won't be diagnosed from a camera down the throat!

 

The only small comfort I have is if there is something the MRI should have picked it up and I would have hoped I would have been contacted by now?

 

Sorry for the huge post but needed to vent my thoughts somewhere and also in the hope that someone has experienced something similar which can calm me.

 

 

 

  • A very stressful time, RossyBax. I'm not a medic but Yes, if the MRI was not good, it is hard to imagine they would have arranged a follow up appointment in 2021. 
    The waiting for your appointment tomorrow is hell. No getting around that. Wishing you all the very best, Harry

  • Thank you Harry. I suppose my worries are based on the fact I have no idea whether they've looked at the MRI. I'd like to think so but then they haven't even given me the courtesy of letting know the results!

     

    Hopefully by tomorrow evening I'll have a better idea on what I'm up against.

  • Hi Rozzy, how did it go?

     

    I'm in a similar situation to you, I've had symptoms for over 4 years, on and off, which are so much worse now. My GP is only interested in giving me nose sprays, so I've referred myself privately. My appointment isn't until Friday 25th so hugely stressed.

     

    carrie

  • Hi Carrie

     

    ive been diagnosed with a hiatus hernia of the stomach. I'm guessing that acid reflux has affected my throat so I'm now on long term medication for that. Used a spray for my nose which seems to have eased headaches and eye pressure.

     

    Still feel like I have enlarged glands in the neck and really bad fatigue so will probably need to return to the doctor about that.

     

    Main thing inside of my throat is clear which is a huge weight off my mind.

     

    I'm sorry you're going through similar worries. I think if yours was anything serious it would have presented itself i a bigger way by now but I appreciate that may not be of any comfort to you.

     

    Try and stay calm in the meantime and look after yourself.