Disappearing lump

Hi Amanda

We have a member here who had a cancer found on his tongue and they went to remove it and couldn't find it (He had previously a neck dissection) He is on watch and wait no RT

Might it be sensible to seek a second opinion from a specialist cancer centre? Where are you being treated?

Good evening Amanda, i have known two people who have had lumps in their necks that disappeared but were never diagnosed as cancer, surely it would be better to do further scans or tests. I agree with Dani and get a second opinion as nobody wants to go through unnecessary treatment. Wishing you all the best,take care. 

                                                                                                   Chris x

Hi Amanda

Maybe I am the person Dani is talking about!  In my case the lymph did not shrink, but was removed as part of my first neck dissection and pathology had that as SCC HPV+.  Thereafter they could not find the primary despite scans indicating tonsils, tongue, nasal passage.  They believed my immune system had dealt with it.  As Dani said I opted for watchful waiting and no further treatment.   Fast forward 15 months and they found a small tumour in my tongue, but when I went in for a glossectomy a few weeks later that too had gone.  Again put down to an immune response.  Once again I opted for no further treatment.  My thoughts were that I keep RT in reserve in case it makes another appearance.  I am still on watchful waiting and just had a panendoscopy with biopsies - results on Monday.  Now 3 years since first diagnosis.

What you do depends on the evidence that the cancer still exists and your appetite for risk.  In my case I saw no benefit on being hit by RT with no evidence of a target.  I was happy to take the 60% change of a reoccurrence knowing that I was being kept a very close eye on.  My MDT totally, and independently, concluded the same as I did on both times, but would not have stopped me having RT if I wanted it.

It is a very personal decision and one that cannot be rushed.

Thanks Peter. I did mean you. I was reluctant to tag you as I know you are waiting yet again for biopsy results. Fingers crossed. Xx

All things being equal that will be on Monday.

Hi Amanda I have a lump on my neck that I hope will disappear. I have had a scan and FNA and I asked consultant if it was cancerous and he said yes . He then said they might find out later that its nothing ? I dont really know what he means like its non cancerous. I would want a second opinion in your position Good luck

Hi Pete I hope all goes well on Monday.