Just diagnosed with a throat cancer

Posted by trishe0311 @trishe0311, Jun 26, 2025

Went in for an Endoscopy and it came back with a tumor and they took a biospy and it came back cancer. I quit smoking but now I have to deal with the consequences. Very scared. I am 53 yrs old and have a teenage daughter. Any advice? I am getting all my testing done. They are sending to a thoracic surgeon and Oncologist. This sucks!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Head & Neck Cancer Support Group.

Profile picture for stephenrfleury @stephenrfleury

I have posted this a number of times, but folks seem to feel it is of value. So here it is again.

I had SCC on the base of my tongue and a couple of lymph nodes in the fall of 2020. I had chemo and proton radiation, since have had multiple cleans scans.

I wrote a blog during my experience (non-revenue generating) if you would like to review it, the link/URL is below. My wife, Suzy, wrote a wonderfully insightful post called lists and non-advice advice.
https://stevefleurysblog.com/2021/01/05/lists-and-non-advice-advice/
You can read the entire blog at:
https://stevefleurysblog.com/2020/10/29/part-1-the-beginning/

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Thank you I will definitely check it out

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Profile picture for gently @gently

hi, Judith80. The nodules are probably benign, and caused by the reflux. Erosion caused by the reflux can cause cancer which radiofrequency can usually eliminate. The source of trouble is the hiatal hernia. There is interesting speculation that low thyroid can cause disturbance in the esophageal sphincters and contribute to development of a hiatal hernia.
It does sound like you are onto this early in the process. and will find resolution.
Worry is only good when it makes you investigate. You might collect records today. Get notes on the haitus--how large it is. Get the physicians notes on the throat exam, exactly where are those nodules, on the vocal folds? How underactive is that thyroid are you clinically insignificant. Have you had a serum TPO to see if the thyroid issue is Hashimoto's.
Keep us posted.

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MRI scan done. Endoscopy next 🤞

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I am 57. Went in 3 months ago with sore throat and enlarged tumors on the outside of neck . Did cat scan, did sonogram, haven't received any information. No call back. Made an appointment and the doctor their was un caring. " I DONT FEEL ANYTHING ON YOUR NECK", she said. Never looked in throat. Sent me home. Now knots all down side of neck. Can hardly swallow and tumor or such on my throat in different places, like enlarged glands. One looks like a photo of cancer on Google. 3 months with nobody. I feel as though I'm sitting here dying. Go to doctor tomorrow and will insist I get referred. Please pray for me.

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Profile picture for lenastewart @lenastewart

I am 57. Went in 3 months ago with sore throat and enlarged tumors on the outside of neck . Did cat scan, did sonogram, haven't received any information. No call back. Made an appointment and the doctor their was un caring. " I DONT FEEL ANYTHING ON YOUR NECK", she said. Never looked in throat. Sent me home. Now knots all down side of neck. Can hardly swallow and tumor or such on my throat in different places, like enlarged glands. One looks like a photo of cancer on Google. 3 months with nobody. I feel as though I'm sitting here dying. Go to doctor tomorrow and will insist I get referred. Please pray for me.

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@lenastewart, Hello.

I had to go to several ENTs for the same exact scoping before the final and fourth ENT immediately saw the tumor. Even after a CAT scan, they got it wrong.

Prayer is the only thing that saved me or the last diagnoses of Eagles Syndrome would have been accepted. Then, like you say, I would have waited around to die. The Holy Spirit guided me to keep on going and will guide you too. The one ENT even scheduled surgery to remove my tonsils! All the while there was a cancerous tumor growing in my throat!

Please keep going.

Go on your own if insurance allows.

Don't give up. You are in my prayers. 🙏✨

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Profile picture for lenastewart @lenastewart

I am 57. Went in 3 months ago with sore throat and enlarged tumors on the outside of neck . Did cat scan, did sonogram, haven't received any information. No call back. Made an appointment and the doctor their was un caring. " I DONT FEEL ANYTHING ON YOUR NECK", she said. Never looked in throat. Sent me home. Now knots all down side of neck. Can hardly swallow and tumor or such on my throat in different places, like enlarged glands. One looks like a photo of cancer on Google. 3 months with nobody. I feel as though I'm sitting here dying. Go to doctor tomorrow and will insist I get referred. Please pray for me.

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@lenastewart hang in there and keep us updated.
I was misdiagnosed twice by former primary care provider and ENT, my dentist found me to have cancer and got the ball rolling for me.
I was stage IV and am 9 years out from treatment and 63 years old and still alive to talk about it.
Wishing you the best and prayer 🙏 sent,

MOJO

MOJO

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Profile picture for lenastewart @lenastewart

I am 57. Went in 3 months ago with sore throat and enlarged tumors on the outside of neck . Did cat scan, did sonogram, haven't received any information. No call back. Made an appointment and the doctor their was un caring. " I DONT FEEL ANYTHING ON YOUR NECK", she said. Never looked in throat. Sent me home. Now knots all down side of neck. Can hardly swallow and tumor or such on my throat in different places, like enlarged glands. One looks like a photo of cancer on Google. 3 months with nobody. I feel as though I'm sitting here dying. Go to doctor tomorrow and will insist I get referred. Please pray for me.

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@lenastewart Please keep after this for a diagnosis. Requesting a referral is what led to my tumor diagnosis after seeing 3 ENT's. It did not show up on the CT scans. You are the best advocate for your own health care. Keep fighting until you get an answer. How did your last appointment go?

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