No follow up scans

Good evening Suzanne, i never had any scans after my operation /treatment they just did what you have described, i did have a lump appear and like you, it was on the opposite side to my surgery/treatment. Mine was ultra-scanned rather than a CT or MRI scan, i was told it was nothing to worry about, in fact, the lump is still there but is not visible, i have forgotten about it and it has not caused any issues since 2010. I fully understand your worries and im sure your consultant will keep a check on it. Its only natural to worry and you have done the right thing by letting your consultant know about it. Wishing you all the best.

                                                                           Chris. x

Hi Chris

I am the same as you. I did not have any scans after my surgeries and radiotherapy as my oncologist said that in my case they would not be helpful, it was better for him to do a visual check when he sees me. I think it had something to do with it being jaw cancer and not tongue or tonsil cancer. The only time I have had scans is when he has visually detected cancer and needed more info. (As you know I have had 2 more occurrences and both been picked up really quickly by my oncologist) It does not concern me not having scans as I have complete trust in my oncologist and consequently don't have to go through the pre- scan worry. I have asked my oncologist to check out one or two ulcers that have arisen and taken a while to heal but each time they have come to nothing.

Lyn

I will do, thanks Hazel

Thanks Dani. I would prefer the routine clinic review as well I think.

Thanks Peter

Thanks Chris, It's reassuring to know that this seems to be standard to not have follow up scans.

Thanks Lyn, I'll take comfort from your experience. I trust my consultant but can't shake the 'what if' feeling.

Hi Suzanne, I’m in exactly the same position as you. I didn’t get a scan after either and would have liked one. I mentioned a lump for the third time in a consultation after they had previously said they thought it was a saliva gland and nothing to worry about. I said I was still worried and they referred me for an ultrasound. I’ve just heard I need to do a biopsy and am now very worried.

Hi Westernsky, It's the not knowing that is the worst. I'm so sorry you're having to go through all the worry again.