Neck lump

Hi Missybpink,  I had a lump develop on the left side of my neck and, like you, thought that it was probably due to an infection (I had a cold at the time.)  I was referred to ENT and had an endoscopy (up the nose) and then an ultrasound on my neck and then "just to be on the safe side" he said that he would do a fine needle biopsy.  It's all quite painless (the endoscopy is a little uncomfortable) and does'nt take long at all.

However, I didn't have a chest x-ray so can't really guide you on that.  Fingers crossed for you all is well.  All the lovely people on here are very supportive and if you have any questions at all someone will always help you out with advice, and support.

Hugs

Hazel x

Hi and welcome from me. 

The chest x-ray is too see if there is anything going on in your chest.  It is fairly routine for many Dr's to order them to rule in/out things.  The ultrasound on the lump will give a better view of what is going on.  They may also do a fine needle biopsy at the same time to extract some fluid from the lump so pathology can look at it.  Again fairly normal things to do when investigating. 

One your Dr has a better picture of what is going on he can decide on a course of action.  That may be too refer you to ENT on what is called a 2 week wait.  You should be seen quickly and more test done.  The vast majority of people on a 2WW have something other than cancer.

It is all about trying to give you certainty whilst reducing the risk of mi's-diagnosis. 

This period is normally the most anxious for all of us.  Uncertainty is not nice.  Best advice at this stage is don't Google anything.  The information is either very old or totally wrong and you will be seriously mi's-informed.  Stay here with us! 

Hi Missybpink 

Welcome to our community. 
You read like a very sensible lady and you are beginning to explore possibilities. 
Did you ask why all these procedures were being done? 
It seems to me that yes, your doctor is trying to rule out cancer ️ i’m afraid. 
90% of referrals aren’t cancer but one of the red flags for oropharyngeal cancer is a swollen lymph node where the tumour has spread so that has to be investigated. Lots of people here presented just that way. 

You will probably have a needle biopsy of the swollen node at ultrasound and at your ENT the consultant will examine the back of your throat with a fine endoscope passed up your nose. It’s not painful but can be a little uncomfortable. You can ask for a local anaesthetic spray but I managed without

I had a chest xray too. That’s standard so try not to read too much into that. 
Fingers crossed it is something simple. 

Hi Missy

I was referred in June 2023 with a Swollen tonsil and neck lump, biopsies taken from both, inconclusive so had to return for more biopsies... stressful time but necessary for peace of mind...

Try to stay off Dr Google.... unreliable and only adds to stress.

Peter 

Hi I only had a lump in my collarbone , I was referred in the 14 day cancer pathway back in 2018 my gp had a very good idea that I had orapharangeal cancer but remember 90%of refferals are not  cancer. I too had a chest x Ray once I saw ent which is routine. I had no other symptoms a part from Larry the lump as I called him. 

Hopefully you won’t be joining us, but if you do we are a friendly bunch  

Hazel 

Hi guys thank you for the replies, sorry I went a bit quiet my dad's been in hospital the past 3 weeks and I've been helping mum out, so chest xray came back all clear and been referred to ENT at Lancaster hospital on a 2ww referral which I have my appointment on weds coming I'm a bag of nerves as the lump is getting bigger, has anyone had the same appointment at the same hospital that can shed some light on what to expect, they cancelled my ultrasound at a different hospital as they are going to do it there at that appointment, does anyone know if they do a biopsy when the results come back or how long I will be waiting to get any results of what happens on the day please x

Hi again. Sorry to hear about your dad. I hope he is home soon

If you are seeing ENT then you can expect a nasoendoscopy to check the back of your throat. This is a little uncomfortable but not painful. Your consultant may be able to see something there (mine did) but sometimes there is n nothing obvious. They will probably arrange an MRI and you'll get an appointment pretty soon for that.

The radiographer doing the ultrasound will likely take a biopsy with either a thin needle, which is called a Fine Needle Aspiration or a larger one which is called a Core Biopsy. Both of them are again a little uncomfortable but that's all. Results are usually around two weeks.

At least you are being sorted quickly

If this is cancer please rest assured that it's curable. There are lots of us here to attest to that.

I am over five years clear and pretty good.

It's natural to be scared but stick with us and we can all help you through

Hi there 

I would think you’d have the biopsy done at the same appointment. I did. Don’t worry about it I found it painless. 

Hi missybpink,

Welcome to the group, I had similar experience, but I had ultrasound scan on my neck lump just under left jaw line before biopsy.

My Dr wasn't happy with the result of the ultrasound that was sent back so referred me to ENT. 

At 1st ENT appointment consultant looked down throat through the nose with scope , couldnt find anything but did a fine needle  aspiration of the lump. ,not painful at all. 2 weeks before results came back . Still inconclusive, so had day surgery for biopsy under general anaesthetic.

Positive result came back then the wheels started turning , head and chest x-rays , MRI s / CTs.and PET scan .

It's the waiting for the results that is tough initially, but keep positive it may be nothing to worry about. Most examinations turn out to be nothing, but it's good to know the pros are ticking the boxes.

Theres  many people on this forum that have helped keep me on track with all my anxious questions. I'm nearly half way through treatment now ,and I'm glad I have this group to chat to.

Best wishes Mark