Hi all, I hope I'm ok to post here? I was just wondering if anyone could help me by sharing their Paratid tumor symptoms please? I've not yet been diagnosed but I'm starting to have my concerns and I need a doctor to take me seriously! About 3 months ago I noticed a firm, horizontal oval shaped lump just below my cheekbone kind of over the Paratid duct area. It's very hard and if I suck in my cheeks you can see the ful outline of the lump at least 2 centimetres in diameter (only on left side if face) It doesn't hurt at all and isn't red but I do think it's ever so slowly growing and becoming more obvious. I saw a doctor before Christmas who said he thought I had an infection in the gland in my cheek (although he did say he was sure it would hurt if this was the case and mine doesn't) so he just put me on a course of antibiotics and said that should do the trick. They made no difference whatsoever and it does seem slightly bigger. Â Does this sound like a Paratid tumor and should I be requesting to see a specialist? Does this sound like the area it could affect? I have also had a large lump below my right armpit that seems to go up and down and I have had this for around 12 months not sure if that has any connection. I'm really sorry if this sounds a little trivial, but can't talk to family as I don't want to worry them. Thank you for listening and any thoughts are appreciated x
Hi Vicky I have just seen your post I really hope you are making a good recovery you must have been going through such an awful time.. Â can I ask whereabouts your lump was? Did you struggle to get doctors to take you seriously? I'm going back next week and hope the necessary tests can be organised xx
Hi Pip123
My lump was just below my cheek bone, where you would put your blusher make up. The lump was hard and fixed in place. Try not to get too anxious as 80% of these lumps are none cancerous, but the surgeon recommended removal as they can interfere with the nerves in your face. I was referred to the Maxiofacial dept at Leicester Royal Infirmary, they were great.
best wishes
Ruth
Hi Ruth (how spooky I'm a Ruth too! My profile name is after my little dog pip ) thank you for replying to me, yes that describes exactly where my lump is too, the blusher explains it well. I will let you know how I get on next week and will hopefully get closer to some answers once and for all xx
Mine was in my salivary gland. The submandibilar gland. My doctors were amazing. The lump I had in my neck I'd had there for over 10yrs and had previous tests a long time ago which was just an infection. But in September it had got bigger and moved position so went to get it checked out. They put me on fast track and got an appointment the day after for tests etc.
Cancer was the last thing I'd thought they'd say as it had been there so long. Like everyone says, try not to worry and stay positive.
I have a blog on Facebook 'toria's journey' which you're welcome to have a look at and follow. It's keeping me busy and positive throughout it all.
Thank you for your reply vicki, I have just taken a look and followed your page, you must have had a horrendous few weeks.. I'm so glad you are starting to make a good recovery I think it's a brilliant idea to show and log your progress x I wish you all the very best for a speedy recovery and a very happy and healthy future xx
Hi vicki,
My journey started really last july they told me i had a non cancerous lump in my salivary gland so they removed that,then i got called in early and they told me it was a slow growing cancer i was referred to another surgeon who did a full neck disection on left side n removed 44 glands all of which had no cancer but there was cancer cells in the fat around the nerve that runs in to your brain so he scraped all the end of the nerve as far as he could go.when i saw him again he was happy how the op went and said i needed an apointment with radiogropher who was amazing he explained all about my cancer and that there was a 10-20% chance there was still cancer in that nerve and it was my decision to have the rt. Hardest decison of my life but i went with the rt because if there was cancer there it could of gone in to my brain (much harder to treat) so im 3 weeks post treatment its been really hard well it still is no taste,cant eat but every day is different and you have to keep going.xÂ
Wishing you a fast recovery
If you want to keep intouch just message me i no how hard it is.xxx
Carrie-anne.xxx
Normally a Doctor will use the word "Sinister" until you're actually diagnosed with Cancer
I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who answered my original post, especially Chris, Carrie, Ruth and Victoria x I went back to the doctor on 31st Jan (saw a different doctor) and was finally given an urgent 2 week referral to ent with a possible parotid Tumor. went for my referral today and the specialist I saw felt a clearly defined hard mass in what he thinks is my acesory parotid gland. I have now been referred for an urgent scan and needle biopsy?? This coming Monday at Warrington hospital and will await the outcome. I wasn't sure where to turn and didn't know if this site was the best place to post but you guys gave me the confidence to take things further and I'm so grateful that you did. I was made to feel for a long time that I was imagining things (and hopefully it still is nothing serious ) but I'm so thankful for you all for even taking the time to discuss with me. I have the upmost admiration and high regard for you all and wish you nothing but the best wishes in your journeys xxxx thanks again, lots of love, Ruth xxx
Hello Ruth, this is good news that you have been seen and action is being taken , looks as if you have a busy time ahead with the scans and biopsy , try not to worry about these as they are nothing to be frighted of ,most of us on here have had scans and some the needle biopsy which should be ok as the area is made numb beforehand so nothing is felt , all it means is that they used an ultra scan to guide the needle to the mass where it takes a small sample so it can be checked . So lets hope they can give you the answer you have been waiting for . Take care and all the best for Monday .
                                                            Chris .x
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