ENT DISCHARGE

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Hi i am writing regarding my concern of my recent tests i had at hospital, I had a teo week referral to ENT due to throat pain , hoarseness and a few others issues. I was sent for a Fluoroscopy and a MRI of neck with contrast. I was then called 3 days later to go for an appointment with a different ENT consultant and also a CT with contrast ,  I didn't understand much of the appointment only they was going to discuss all my results in the MDT, but 24 hours later i read on my NHS app that they had found lobulated posterior hypopharynx mucosal appearance, and thickening the back of the tongue, I was then very worried that I would have cancer. I didnt hear nothing then until early in week after my appointment that they had had the MDT and was pleased to say its benign and I was discharged, with no explanation. I am very confused and wondering why they have discharged me without explanation, diagnosis of symptoms or what they are doing about what they found, is it being monitored? Im really confused and a bit upset at all the worry about , tests and the urgent appointment i had a couple of days after, the letter says the GP has the full repbut i have tried numerous times to get a gp appointment with no success, Im really just asking for advice on what to do here, as I know you cant diagnose or give any medical advice iim just at a loss of what to really do here. Thank you for listening. 

  • Hello Modhead

    My name is Sarah, one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.  Welcome to our online community.

    I am sorry to read that You have been struggling with throat pain, hoarseness and some other issues. You did the right thing to have this assessed and tested as the best way to find out what is causing these problems is to visit your GP. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides clear guidance to GPs on which symptoms may lead to a cancer diagnosis. When you are referred for a suspected cancer, you are referred on an urgent referral to be seen within 2 weeks. This is standard practice for symptoms of suspected cancer.

    I can understand your confusion after the good news that this condition is benign. It can be helpful to have the opportunity to ask questions and feel confident with what happens next.

    It is important to ask more about what this diagnosis means for you. Once you are discharged from the hospital it will be the GP who manages any questions that you have. If you cannot get an appointment with your GP, you can ask to speak with the practice manager. It can be helpful to explain the worry and upset you feel when you don’t have all the information about this condition.

    Also to understand more about what to do if your symptoms continue or come back.

    We know that worrying about cancer is extremely difficult, especially when you are experiencing symptoms. 

    Anxiety UK or Mind have some useful resources and strategies for managing anxiety.  You may also benefit from talking to someone about your fears and worries. You can talk to friends and family and if your feelings become overwhelming, your GP can refer you for support.

    If you have any further information or support needs, the Macmillan Support line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support.

    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

    Ref SS/UH

    Sarah S-Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist