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Anyone have (non-cancerous) ulcer of a radiated throat years later?
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!
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@roblem, no problem at all! Perhaps a bit of laziness set in—or maybe I was just tired. Thanks for the response, and you are definitely correct!
@thomason, Wishing you a non-eventfull scoping with very promising results. Proton radiation is very focused so only half my facial and neck area was zapped. I will never know if I had undergone standard radiation if I would have had a better outcome. When I got the results of my tongue biopsy I was diagnosed with "bizarre cells", caused by radiation. At that time my ENT just removed the growth at the surface. Not long after the growth reappeared and getting larger rubbing against one of the few teeth I had left on that side of my mouth causing pain. This time it was off to the operating room and an area of my tongue was excised. The tissue was benign, but would have turned cancerous in time. Following that surgery I lost 3 more teeth. My speech is definitely effected. The list of my side effects is long, but I have come to the conclusion that my life sucks, so get used to it. When I read of the problems others are going through, mine seem miniscule in comparison. So I need to be grateful, for not being worse off. When you are feeling lousy, go eat a pint of of your favorite icecream. You may find you are one of the fortunate patients who improve and never have to look back.
@pampou I recently watched an interview with William Shatner (Captain Kirk), where he was asked if he feared death. The interviewer seemed genuinely surprised when Mr. Shatner answered "yes." He went on to explain that the uncertainty is what makes it frightening—everyone’s end is different. Some pass quietly in their sleep, while others go through a very difficult struggle.
It seems so much like radiation therapy in that way. The outcomes vary so drastically: some people suffer terrible complications, like having their epiglottis fuse to their throat wall and losing the ability to eat, while others are fortunate enough to regain their quality of life.
One thing is certain—I don't even pretend to comprehend the randomness of it all. It shows how truly empathetic you are when you mention being grateful that your symptoms aren't as bad as what others endure.
Thank you so much for your kind, positive words to me. At 67 years old, I have to admit that I'm getting a bit too tired to keep climbing those stairs just to go down the slide again.
Thank you again. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep me in yours. This forum has been a real lifesaver in so many ways. Meeting great people such as yourself make it all worthwhile.
@thomason I am 76 and have never feared death, only an ugly prolonged one. I have never let side effects or pain stop me. While going through radiation and on oxycontin and a fentanyl patch, I was cutting my grass wearing a balaclava to protect my face from sunlight. I cooked for my husband while I consumed ramen noodle soup and green tea. I did all the housework and shopping. Three weeks after my 9 hour surgery I was participating in a political march and volunteer lobbying at my state capitol, a one hour drive away. One week after my tongue surgery I was publicly speaking at my local Board of Supervisors meeting and did it with pain and slurred speech. I just don't have time to give into this crap. Sure, I do the woe is me stuff too and shed a few tears, but that is just being human and lamenting how unfair life can be. I always thought drowning in a vat of Hershey's chocolate would be a fun way to leave this mortal coil. I am an atheist, so an afterlife is not in my mindset but I do wish you a peaceful and healthy life.
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1 Reaction@pampou You are a fighter, for sure!
If you ever change your mind, a woman like you would be great in God's army. We all have a right to our own beliefs, I get it!
As for me, there is nothing in this world that could take away my belief in God.
May you have a peaceful and healthy life as well.
@celia16 @thomason
Maybe you are thinking about foot and leg ulcers that diabetic people can get. It doesn't apply to ulcers in a spot treated by radiation.
@jw9, yes. Thank you both for replying.