Not found primary, is this common?

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Hi,

I had surgery around 6 weeks ago, it removed the lump from my next but they have said they haven’t found the primary. I have an appointment today to discuss whether to do radiotherapy or not and I don’t know what to do.

Is not finding the primary common? All my scans have not shown up anything really clearly which seems strange to me. I have had MRI, CT and PET. When I was recovering I coughed up something and I am wondering if it was tissue and the cancer was there. Or is it in another part of my body altogether?

As I understand it, if I have radiotherapy they don’t know where to aim and I might not be able to have it in the future. If I don’t have it, I don’t know if it means it will be more risky if it comes back down the line.

  • Hi Westernsky

    I've replied to you in your other thread and tagged one of our other members who is in a similar situation, though further down the line and on watch and wait.

    No it's not common. The primary may still be there usually in the oropharynx somewhere , but so small it's hidden from scans, or the body might have got rid of it.

    The likelihood of it being anywhere else in your body is really small. This is a question for your doctors today. I'm sure Peter will be along soon. You could also send him a private message by clicking on his name which will take you to his profile and there is a connect button on the top right. Just select request friendship and when you get a response you can PM him (I know it's a lengthy process...sorry )

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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  • Thanks Dani, Peter has been in touch and has been very helpful. 

  • Hi Western sky. Can’t add to what Daniband  Peter have said just wanted to say it’s not that uncommon. Sone have radiotherapy sone do watch and wait. I woujd explore both possibilities with oncologist. There’s no right r wrong wzy ususakky tge little bug..r pops up eventually. 
    Hazel x

    Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz 

    My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com  HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now  6 years  post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help

    2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers 

    https://www.instagram.com/merckhealthcare/reel/DBs8Y0niJ8N/

  • Wonderful. I hope your appointment goes as well as it can and at least you have a decision you’re informed about. Chin up and hugs 

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

    Community Champion badge