Tonsil cancer?

Posted by pippa21972 @pippa21972, May 14, 2023

Hi all,

In January this year I developed a sore throat and noticed that a small hole had appeared near my right tonsil with a foul tasting discharge. My GP prescribed antibiotics which didn't help, so I returned and saw a different GP and was again given antibiotics. This cycle continued for 3 months and during this time the hole got bigger and pain has spread down my neck, to my ear and jaw and the inside of my mouth around the hole has become red, hard and raised, and swallowing is painful. I also have a painful lump on my neck on that side. I returned to my GP surgery and saw yet another GP who went mad because the none of the previous GP's had referred me to ENT. Anyway he sent an urgent referral to ENT, I was seen by them in less than a week, and within the next 10 days I had CT scan and MRI scan. Last Thursday (2 days after my MRI scan) the ENT consultant phoned me to say the MRI scan showed an area of swelling on my tonsil and neck area that he is "worried about". I'm booked in for surgery and biopsy next week and feeling terrified. I know I should be grateful about how quickly they are dealing with this, but equally the speed of the whole process has worried me. I'm so worried and keep getting upset. I know that this could be benign but at the same time I can't stop my mind running away with me and thinking the worst. I just wondered if anyone else has had a similar experience.

Thank you
Pippa

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cristian1998 | @cristian1998 | Feb 25 1:44am

In reply to @sandralea58 "Have you seen a doctor?" + (show)

Not yet!

sandralea58 | @sandralea58 | Feb 25 7:44am

In reply to @cristian1998 "I have a sensation of Sore throat that doesn't go away and recently i saw a..." + (show)

Not sure where you are. In our case, our GP ordered an ultrasound followed by a CT scan. We were then referred to an ENT Surgeon, who scoped and ordered a biopsy. Then we were referred to the Cancer Clinic for treatment. Don’t delay in seeking medical attention to rule out cancer. I wish you well.

William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | Feb 26 8:18am

In reply to @cristian1998 "Thank you so much ! What kind of doctor could help me ?" + (show)

An Ear Nose Throat or ENT is ultimately who you should seek but your general practitioner or GP or Family Physician first. You must insist on further investigation as to your ailment. We are our own best advocates. I personally went to three emergency rooms for unexplained bleeding, saw five specialist until I found an ENT that knew what was going on. Tumor on a tonsil.
Again, what you have going on could and probably is something other than cancer. But you should get a definite answer.