Diagnosed with 5 mm tumor in pyriform sinus

@tiatia11, sounds like you have a great Gastroenterologist. I had a Gastric Endoscopy performed to try and figure out my increasing throat/ear pain. This was in the beginning of many procedures which did not result in the discovery of the tumor. It all began with a very mild left-sided sore throat which slowly got worse. Then the ear on that side (left side) began to ache. Oddly, while at the dentist for a cleaning--a full year before diagnosis--the hygienist said she noticed a sore in my throat. She said that the dentist would look at it when she was finished cleaning. He came in and said he did not see a sore. Looking back, if it had been diagnosed at that early point, a laser may have been able to remove it. Oh well, we cannot go back, can we?! So, as the sore throat got worse, my family doctor said it was allergies, yet the pain was getting so bad it was hard to swallow liquids or food without wincing. After having the non-productive Gastric Endoscopy, the first ENT did a Nasal Endoscopy. She quickly pulled the scope out claiming I had allergies and arthritis! Here I am. a healthy weight and height, never having any arthritis type pains. What the heck? To try and make a long story short, within a one-year period, I went to the emergency room, several different doctors, 3 ENT's, etc. At that point, I could barely swallow. I went back to the first ENT and told her I could barely swallow. She scheduled an operation to remove my tonsils. I have no tonsils as they had atrophied away due to age! The family doctor finally told me to get a CT scan. That came back with results stating I had "Eagles Syndrome." This is where the Styloid Bones (either side of head) are elongated and grow into nerves. That "little" voice most of us have was speaking loudly to my soul. It was saying to me that I needed yet another opinion, for I did not believe the Eagles Syndrome diagnosis, or the "tonsils." The family doctor was getting very frustrated. She told me to make an appointment with a "university doctor." Following her advice, the Indiana University ENT scoped me just like all the other ENTs had, yet right away saw the white patch on my Pyriform Sinus. He immediately scheduled a biopsy. The rest is history. When I saw the illuminated tumor on the screen at the Oncologist appointment, it was blatantly visible. I will never understand how it was missed, even after a CT scan. Prayers do work and listening to that wonderful still voice from our creator is what kept me going for more tests. If I had listened after the CT scan and decided to live with the pain, I would be long dead. It was non-HPV, but I read that HPV is more curable. If you find out after biopsy that it is cancer, it sounds very mild and curable. There are many Pyriform Sinus cancer survivors in any of the cancer support online groups, such as: https://csn.cancer.org/, and: https://www.inspire.com/. Although Pyriform Sinus Cancer is difficult to find, look for "Head and neck Cancer" support groups. Hopefully, it is just a polyp. The attached shows my tumor was about 2cc. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I am a 63-year-old female, do not drink alcohol or smoke and eat meat sparingly. Please keep everyone updated. Everyone here really does care! P.S. You must click image to observe.

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In 2020 cancer in my Pyriform Sinus (a large tumor) and in the lymph nodes in my neck were discovered, but first, I had the terrible sore throat and earache that you described. I learned that this is the first sign of throat cancer. The lymph nodes in my neck were hard and about the size of ping-pong balls and then smaller. I told my PCP that I knew I had cancer, but she wanted me to wait (I don't know why, but this was a bad call).
As it turned out, due to COVID, the hospital was not able to see me in March, once my PCP referred me, and I had to wait until June to begin treatment (waiting 6 months after I knew). I then got the feeding tube and began chemo and radiation at the same time. The treatment was very difficult - unable to swallow or speak, as you mentioned, and the feeding tube was no fun. The side effects of these treatments did not dissipate until the following June, 2021, however I still have the sore throat, difficulty with swallowing, have to clear my throat every few seconds if I am talking, and very little saliva in my mouth.
Then, this past July, a PET scan showed that the lymph node cancer came back and had metastasized to both lungs. I am now having Immunotherapy, IV supplement sessions, a supplement called Valasta, and I am seeing someone who had a device called Firefly. It is even more serious now, but I am not willing to again go through the side effects of chemo and radiation, which were debilitating. I want to at least be able to enjoy my life while doing these treatments, and I hope and pray that the treatments put it in remission.

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@kecm, wow, you have been through so much, and yet you soldiered on. I am so sorry that your cancer returned, and hope your treatment puts it into remission. You happened to need treatment right when the Covid thing began. That must have been a nightmare for you. You have really been through the mill. Please keep updating how things are going. I will be thinking of you. Hopefully, you are not in a great deal of pain. Please know that I am praying for you @kecm. Please keep me in your prayers if you will be so kind. It means so much. In fact, it means everything. May God be with you.

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I always prefer the natural non invasive methods, which is why I opted for successful home births, fewer vaccinations, etc. To be honest I have come across the baking soda and various other self healing "experiments". Thank you for the reminder that most of these are just that. Can't thank enough for prayers, support and helpful information!

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I am a 10 year survivor with metastatic SCC originating from my ear. As a veterinarian I am always researching my cancer and possible new treatments. I firmly believe we should utilize the time tested traditional treatments with supportive scientific studies, but can then supplement our treatment with complementary therapies. I also cannot stress enough the value of a big referral center/teaching hospital to guide your treatment. I drive 10 hours from Ohio to Rochester MN for my care at Mayo Clinic. I firmly believe I would not have survived if I had stuck with local doctors. I also followed my surgery and radiation with Immune Augmentation at a clinic in the Bahamas. A few books that I have valued...... How Not to be My Patient by E. Creagan MD, a palliative care doctor from Mayo, Radical Remission by Kelly Turner, The Rebel's Apothecary by Jenny Sansouci (sp?). I would certainly ask about Proton Beam radiation as that saves damage to surrounding tissues, but it is not widely available....referral canters only. Your mass is small and I would stay positive for a good end result. Good luck to you.

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Husband sees Medical Oncologist and Radiation Oncologist tomorrow Aug. 4.
Pyriform Sinus Squamous Cell cancer was found. Metastasis to lymph nodes. ENT who did biopsy and mass debulking says it Stage 4.
Anyone have this? Care to share your experience and treatment?

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