Base of tongue cancer recurrence?

Hi Steve5678

Thank you for getting in touch, and welcome to the online community. My name is Anne-Marie and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

I’m sorry to hear that you are experiencing a new symptom with your throat; with the CFS diagnosis as well, this must be making it a difficult time for you. It's only natural to worry about new changes or symptoms and what they may mean, after a cancer diagnosis. People who have been through cancer treatment live with some worry, uncertainty, and a heightened awareness of when things are different within their own bodies. Although the cancer may be gone, the fear of cancer never goes away entirely.

It is important that any new, increasing or worsening symptoms should always be reported to your GP. We would recommend contacting them today to let them know about your symptoms. They would want to be informed straight away of any new symptoms you are having. Please do not hesitate to do this; they will take your concerns seriously. Your symptoms are something that should be assessed by a doctor and possibly in person. Although you had problems getting a diagnosis initially, they should hopefully act quickly on any symptoms now.  

Reassuringly it may be something that could be easily treated that could be causing your symptoms and not a further cancer concern, as you may be thinking. Your GP would not want you to be struggling or worrying about these alone. Talking to them would give you some peace of mind to understand what may be happening.

If you feel your symptoms are worsening before you can be seen, you can contact your GP, 111 services, 999 or attend A&E for review. These services can advise or arrange help if this is needed.

Best Wishes

Anne-Marie

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please get in touch by email, webchat or phone. The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

Ref: FP

Hi Anne Marie

Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply. I will be seeing a GP tomorrow (Wednesday 12 March)...this was the soonest they could see me. I did contact the ENT cancer department that dealt with my cancer, they said as I had been discharged from their care 3 years ago it would be best to go via my GP...lets hope this works! My previous experience with this health centre has left me very anxious as regards to their attitude this time. I will bare your advice in mind tomorrow.

Thanks again

Steve

Hi Anne Marie

I had a very positive meeting with a GP at my health centre at quite short notice. We discussed my recent symptoms and worries about recurrence of my base of tongue cancer. He recommended a 2 week referral to the ENT department...the very next day I had a call from the hospital inviting me to an appointment this coming Friday (22nd March)

So a very good result, still, I am quite nervous.

Thank you for your kind words and advice.

Steve