What to expect…?

Hi XK

Examination, nasal scope to throat and probably biopsy, maybe wrap-round dental x-ray arranged, pretty much straightforward and painless....try to stay away from Google.....outdated info

Hi. You’ll see ent or max fax consultant they will probably do the camera up the nose to check your throat area. They’ll do a tongue examination. I was also sent for a chest x ray that came back to consultant within minutes. 
There was also a nurse in attendance. Take someone with you if you can as you’ll missing part of the conversation or ask if you can record or take notes. I had a lymph nodecthat was grape size and a fine need biopsy was done with results given to me a week later. 

I had no swallow issues or pain just a lump in collarbone area. The following week itbwas confirmed as squamous cell carcinoma. Then a mri  and ct scan   and biopsy was arranged within a few days. 

Try to keep busy and keep off dr Google. Let us know how yiu get in feel free to pop in anytime. 

Hazel 

XK. said:

What should I expect at the first appointment? Will there be any tests there and then or will it just be a basic overview appointment?

Hi

I shall add to Hazel's excellent  overview

If you have something involving inside the tongue biopsy is likely to be done more thoroughly under general anaesthesia so an appointment will be made for that. As Hazel says they may biopsy the lymph node there and then with a needle

You can expect scans to be arranged and these will be an MRI or a PET/CT

Do take somebody with you. You'll miss stuff and that extra pair of ears is invaluable. Take your time and make sure you understand what is happening. These guys are pretty patient and they won't mind taking the time

Good luck

XK. said:

it’s a long wait

If you haven't heard anything in two weeks chase them. Find out the name of the consultant you have been referred to and phone their secretary

Thanks! I think that’s half the battle, not knowing what to expect I started to google and getting more worked up than I probably need to be

Thanks Hazel! That’s really helpful info! I was thinking of just going to the first appointment on my own so I didn’t blow everything out of proportion but I’m not sure now. Didn’t want to jump to conclusions straight away if that makes sense?

Thanks Dani! The doctor showed more concern at the swelling towards the back and base of my tongue so I’m not sure if they will biopsy anything there and then. Suppose I’ll find out! I was expecting the referral to be at the dental hospital which is where the dentist referral went to but it’s gone to the our local specialist hospital, think that’s what’s got me more concerned.

Stressful time...try to keep yourself occupied, not easy I know, exercise, watch  telly, do jigsaws etc...get decent sleep.... my GP prescribed a short course of low dose sleeping tablets....I was a a bag of nerves...we all can relate to your situation...let us know how things progress.

Peter

XK. said:

but it’s gone to the our local specialist hospital, think that’s what’s got me more concerned.

To be realistic they are looking to rule out cancer which you already suspect as you are here. Don't panic and leave google alone. Oropharyngeal cancer (if that's what it turns out to be) is curable. One step at a time. Keep busy and chase that referral if you need to.

Hi I've just been through the beginning but I've bern diagnosed with tonsil cancer, even though they were removed as a kid. I saw doc on 3rd jan and had urgent referral saw someone in maxillofacial dept who took one look and went no you need ent. Had mri scan same week.  following week was day patient for biopsy gave me a general. Since had ct scan, pet-scan, and find out my treatment plan next friday.

It is all pretty mind boggling and Ibagree about taking someone with you. Its alot of Information to take in . make sure you ask questions, no question is silly. 

Once they told me it was cancer I was given a macmillian specialist clinician nurse who has been my go to.

Like others on here have said stay off google. Everybody on here hold alot of Information and they are all very friendly and welcoming.

Good luck x