Had 30 rounds of radiotherapy for tonsil cancer and 2 lymph node. Dad finisjed 8 weeks ago but yesterday a large sore lump has come up on his jaw the side of the radiotherapy. He saw the dentist today and he said is not an abscess. We are both now very scared that is cancer on jaw, he has called his doctor. Is this a common side effect?
Hi Hayes83,
Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Sarah and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists.
Any new symptoms during or following treatment can be scary, so it’s completely understandable you feel the way you do.
It’s so difficult for us to know what could have caused the lump on your dad’s jaw. We have information about jaw problems after head and neck cancer treatment that you might find helpful. Please bear in mind this is general information and not specific to your dad’s situation.
It’s reassuring to hear that he has been assessed by his dentist, and an abscess has been ruled out. However, of course you want to know why this has happened. I know it’s easier said than done but try not to self-diagnose the reason for the swelling. Lots of people we speak to reach for the internet in this situation and read scary information that may not even be relevant to your dad.
We have many lymph nodes all over our body, including our neck and jaw. As your dad had radiotherapy to his jaw and 2 of his lymph nodes it’s a possibility they may have become swollen due to the treatment as an immune response.
The main thing is that your dad has had an abscess ruled out and he has taken the right step by calling his doctor. It’s not clear from your post if this is his GP or head and neck specialist. If not it would be a good idea for him to call his head and neck specialist nurse or consultants secretary as they will want to know about any symptoms or concerns your dad has.
I really hope this information was helpful, but if there is anything else we can help you with please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. If it’s right for you, you can always give us a call to talk things through further.
Take care and best wishes,
Sarah (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.
Ref: KD
Hi Hayes83,
Thanks for getting back in touch. My name is Kelly and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists. I hope you found Sarah’s information helpful.
We understand that there can be a lot of uncertainty when it isn’t clear what is causing a symptom and that you have ongoing questions about the length of time lymph nodes could be swollen for after treatment.
We do know that it is possible for some people to experience problems with side effects for weeks and sometimes months after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. I hope you had a chance to read the information Sarah posted about jaw problems and reasons why lymph nodes may remain swollen over a period of time.
However, as it’s not clear that the sore lump is definitely being caused by tender lymph nodes I would suggest not speculating on this. It could become overwhelming for you with too much information which may or may not be accurate at this time. It’s important that you and your dad are speaking to the right person to get the answers you are looking for just now.
It’s good to hear that your dad has got back in touch with his cancer specialist. It isn’t clear if he has had the appointment yet but as they are directly involved with his care, they are best placed to guide you both about what the cause of lump is due to.
It may help to write down any questions you have.
It’s important to look after yourself at this time while waiting to hear back from the consultant.
I’m aware that you have joined a our head and neck cancer group on the online community. The support here can be invaluable to.
Sometimes it can help to speak to one of the nurses on our phone helpline. It may be easier to talk over in more detail about what is happening right now.
I hope this information was helpful, but if there is anything else we can help with please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.
Take care and best wishes ,
Kelly (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist).
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.
Ref: KA/AMc
