Mouth cancer suspected

Hi Jennywren84 welcome to the forum. So sorry to hear about what is happening for you. I dont know about timescales but I dont imagine it will be a long wait eg maybe 2 weeks or less as there are certain timescales that have to be adhered to if anything suspicious is suspected.

Im not surprised it is a shock to the system it take us all by surprise when things are suspected and it is only that at this point suspected and could yet turn out to be nothing sinister. The waiting for the biopsy to be taken will feel like ages but the best tip is to keep busy and the time will pass quicker.

If I have one piece of advice for you it is to STAY OFF the internet except stay in here where there are people who know whats what and can give support advice and honesty with you if thats what you want.

If you wanted to speak to someone in person you could always give the Macmillan Line a call on Tuesday as they have people who may be able to offer support while you wait.

Please let us know how you get on as we will be thinking of you.

Sending very best wishes and some huge big hugs for now. xxxxx

Hello Jennywren , sorry about the delay in replying as i have only just received this post , at least someone has already replied . You have done the correct thing in not googling the subject as it can be so misleading . I was referred to see a consultant in the Maxillofacial ( head and neck ) department at my local hospital as my dentist was concerned . I think i waited about two weeks before i received a letter from him giving me a date to see him ,sometimes its quicker if its been asked to be fast tracked by the dentist , i believe the waiting time has come down since my first appointment back in 2008 so hopefully you will not have to wait more than three weeks . Normally what happens is that he will examine your mouth and feel around your neck and shoulders for any lumps etc . he/she will most probably send you for a x-ray while you are there so they can see what is happening . They normally send you home and you wait for an appointment for the biopsy unless they feel it necessary  to do one while you are there if they feel its urgent . The results of the biopsy take no longer than two weeks maybe quicker if urgent . The actual biopsy takes about twenty mins depending where they take if from , i expect your gum area  . Please dont keep it from your family once you get the results as it will put you on tender hooks , With me i was classed as urgent once he saw me and had my x-ray, blood tests and biopsy done on the  first appointment . If they find the biopsy is not clear then its onto m.r.i and c.t scans so they can come up with a treatment plan . However having said all of this you might get sent home after your appointment say there is nothing to worry about , hopefully the later . Please re-post if you need more help or advice where members of this group will try and help . Best wishes , take care .

                                                            Chris x

Hi Jenny. Please dont worry. I was diagnosed with tonsil & lymph node cancer a year ago but in my other life I am involved with screening patients for mouth cancer. We receive SO MANY letters of referral from dentists and GPs every week, of which only 1-2% will have cancer. Dentists and doctors are so cautious and in some cases know very little about mouth cancer so they refer everything. The chances are that you do not have cancer. You should be seen within 14 days and I sincerely hope you are reassured that all is well. Fingers crossed

Hilary

Thank you for you reply. Knowing it could be a couple of weeks helps. I didn’t know if it would be days or months. I could find that it usually takes a month for diagnosis but not for how long it took for an appointment to come through in the first place. Thank you for taking the time to reply it actually means such a lot. 

Thank you for your reply this is really useful information. I have been referred as the dentist found a lump and a white patch in my mouth. I’ve told my husband, Mum and Dad. My girls were there when I was told I was being referred but don’t know it’s for cancer. They think my teeth are falling out because I didn’t brush them properly! Lol At least they now clean their teeth without a fuss! I don’t want my family to worry though so until anything is confirmed I’ve not mentioned it again. My husband knows I’m worried and is helping me with giving up smoking. Regardless of results I’ve been scared into giving up for good. I’ve tried in the past but have joined the nhs quitline this time for extra help. 

This is good to know. I’m hoping it isn’t anything but a part of me is unsure. I’ve not been well in the mouth department the dentist is already worried about my teeth and I was coming to terms with needing dentures in the near future. Regardless what happens now I am giving up smoking so either way there is at least one positive to come out of all this!

thank you for your response. I hope your journey has been a positive one and you will be ok. X

Hi just stumbled on your post , went for ent appointment today after having swollen tonsil and swollen gland on same side ( was told virus ) she looked down throat with the tube camera and said my tonsil looked suspicious , then sent me for ultrasound on lump , he said it looked fine , but she wasn’t happy and sent me back in for biopsy on lump , so confused was on my own so couldn’t take it all in , she then said I’ve got to have tonsils out then tested , plus loads scans ?? I’d lost it by then , can you shed any light on all this as I’m so scared and confused , thank you , hope you are doing well 

Mariag, it would be better if you post this on a separate thread as it could get ‘lost’ here.  It sounds to me like your Consultant is being cautious and wants to make sure.  At the present time there is no definite diagnosis and it could be something or nothing.  

My advice would be to stay off the internet - other than this site, where you can ask any questions and get answers from folk who have been through what you are going through now.  Get a notepad, write down any questions, take the pad with you to appointments and write the answers down there.  You are given so much information that you don’t take it all in so a notepad helps, as does having someone go with you - a second pair of ears to hear what you miss.   

You aren’t alone on here, let us know how you get on

sheilagh 

Hi Sheilagh thank you for your reply , that’s good advice , I need to stay off google , it’s so scary thank you for replying

Maria

Hi this sounds very similar to my experience but your consultant is doing the right thing...follow up all the tests and listen carefully to what you are being told.  My gps persistence saved my life in my opinion 

Good luck 

Chas