Ulcer in Throat

Hello everyone,

Yesterday, I had a CT scan done because my neck hurts when I turn my head either way, and I have swelling under my chin. Thank God it is not cancer, but the scan did find an ulcer.

Here is the exact section from my CT findings:

"Unexpected/abnormal pattern compatible with full-thickness penetrating ulcer originating from the junction of the left lateral aspect of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx with the posterior wall of the superior aspect of the left piriform sinus of the hypopharynx which is associated with small locules of gas at the left side of the retropharyngeal space and mild edema at the retropharyngeal space. This is not demonstrated to be associated with abscess, hematoma, or foreign body. No evidence of penetration/extension into the prevertebral musculature, spine, spinal canal, or foramina at this region. This is not demonstrated to be associated with findings to suggest a cancer at this region. This is suspected to reflect benign breakdown of integrity of the hypopharynx at this region."

My ENT has an appointment set up for me. In the meantime, I’ve been instructed to stick to nutritional drinks and avoid coffee or fizzy water to give the ulcer a chance to heal.

Has anyone else experienced something like this?

Apparently, the ulcer is in the exact spot where my cancerous tumor was located back in 2018. The phrase at the end of the report—"reflect benign breakdown of integrity of the hypopharynx at this region"—has me the most concerned. Does this mean the tissue is turning to "mush"?

Also, I've had a raw spot under my tongue for about four years now. It developed right after a dental visit where they inserted the numbing needle to fill a bottom tooth. My ENT biopsied it two years ago and it was benign, but it has never healed. That makes me worry that this sore in my throat won't heal either.

Honestly, when these results first came back, my immediate thought was "Here we go again—feeding tubes, etc." I am just not as strong as the first round in 2018! Interestingly, the sore under my tongue has never hurt, but this throat ulcer definitely causes pain.

Do any of my friends on this site have any words of wisdom or advice? Thank you so much for any help you can share!