Hi all,
I am not 4 weeks after a removal of a T1 tumour on the side of my tongue. The tumour was surrounded by dysplasia which was also removed.
I was told the margins are clear but recommended a neck dissection which is scheduled for next week.
In the meanwhile I have some discomfort that are totally bearable, such as I cannot stick my tongue out without it feeling like that my scar is opening (there are no stitches anymore and it looks healed).
It felt swollen so I explored my tongue a bit and there is a lump the size of a sweet pea.
I would like to think that
1. It would not have grown in 2 weeks since I met the surgeon
2. They would have noticed it during the surgery or the check up 2 and 3 weeks after the surgery
Has anyone else had the same?
Obviously after a cancerous tumour has been cut out of me hard lumps in the same area drive me mad. It's in the side, not in the middle or anything, very easy to feel.
Thanks all
Not a sweet pea but a garden pea sized 
*****
Non-HPV tongue cancer T1N0M0
3 surgeries on tongue+neck dissection.
Diagnosed Nov 2024.
Good evening, Rowan. This could well be scar tissue and is part of the recovery. I should think they will examine it when you have the neck dissection. In some cases, the speech and language therapist will get involved and give you exercises to do. Please let them know your concerns before they do the neck dissection. I still lump my neck from 12 years ago after my surgery, which was checked and given the all-clear. It sounds as if it is nothing to worry about, especially after such a short space of time after your surgery. Wishing you all the best .
Chris
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
This is why it can be good to have a neck dissection, as they can see any abnormalities. You will find that when they do the dissection, they hide the scar as much as possible by following the creases of our skin. Nobody ever notices my scars unless they are very close up. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. Take care.
Chris
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
