New here! Had a routine dental appointment and was asked if I’d bitten my tongue.. I’d noticed nothing but have quite a large area on the side of my tongue which just looks weird. Like a couple of long narrow lumps but no ulcer that I can see. Dentist said she thinks it’s trauma but it’s not changing and I have no idea how long it’s been there. I stupidly panic googled and now have massive anxiety it’s cancer that’s been there for ages and will have spread. Dentist said she would do an urgent referral to the dental hospital; it’s 2 weeks and I’ve heard absolutely nothing.
Good evening Swllwzn, please treat this as if you had not read Google otherwise you are going to imagine all sorts of things. I would wait until you have seen the dental hospital and let them decide, if they are concerned they will most probably get a further appointment at a head and neck clinic. I know it's hard not to worry as waiting is one of the worst times. Two weeks was the old target but not sure what it is now so maybe give it until mid-week then get back in contact with your dentist, i don't think you will be waiting much longer now. Wishing you all the best and hope you get your appointment within the next week. Take care.
Chris
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
62 days is the time between your GP referring you and treatment beginning, if cancer is suspected. The two weeks is supposed to be the time from referral to seeing a hospital consultant.
The numbers achieving these targets are woefully low
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Probably because they don’t suspect cancer. If they did the biopsy results would be 2 to 3 weeks.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Well that won't work in my case. Referred on 12 April, seen 1 May, (2.5 weeks) then biopsy on 17 May, (another 2.5 weeks)
Considering the parlous state of the NHS that’s not too bad. I was referred by GP and had to wait 6 weeks to see a consultant and that was before Covid. But then I am in Wales
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Good evening Gemmary the 62 days sounds like having your first appointment to the start of your treatment/surgery, i think you are one of the unlucky ones who have not slipped through the net or the hospital is so busy treating the urgent cases first. Take care.
Chris
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
