Lump in neck for 5 weeks, just been referred for investigation

Hi when I was first referred the ent consultant did a nasal scope with a camera to look at back of throat and a fine needle biopsy to the a sample from the neck lump. Mine had been there around 12 weeks. Neither hurt the scope was uncomfortable but not painful.

A week later I got results there was squamous cancer cells. I then went on to have ct scan mri scan and biopsy under general.  Remember not all lumps are cancer over 99% aren't but if yours unlucky enough ti join us head and neck cancers respond well to treatment. With great cure rates 

keep off dr google you’ll scare yourself 

hugs 

Hazel 

Hello there,my husband had a similar situation,had a bit af a cold,next thing he could feel a lump appearing on the left side of his neck,that gradually got bigger. He went to our local walk-in centre for investigation,got told the old 'it might be nothing',but quickly got a referral to ENT, a camera down his throat pretty much confirmed what we deep down worried about,it went quick from there,cat scans,MRIs,mask fitting etc. And just what Hazel said, we got told that this is very curable. We held on to that.However, the treatment and recovery was cruel, I am not gonna lie,but now 6mths later is doing a lot better.no evidence of the disease, the burn marks on his neck will be a constant reminder,but I am so grateful that he is still with us. So hang in there,stay positive,with the help and support of loved ones you will get through this. Big hugs. Mel x

Hi Hazel’s first paragraph has nailed it. 
Take somebody with you to be an extra pair of ears and don’t be afraid of asking what your consultant suspects.  

Good luck. 90% of referrals are not cancer but it’s something you should get checked out. 
Dont second guess the diagnosis and  venture into Google for information. There is no need to examine anybody else’s story here just yet either. 
If this is  cancer stay with us. There’s lots of help here 

Thank you everyone for your kind replies - much appreciated. I just need to get through the next couple of weeks now without climbing the walls. I did ask my husband if he would come to the clinic with me for some moral support, but he’s reluctant to do so as he thinks I’ll be completely able to drive myself there and back. 

Katydid said:

but he’s reluctant to do so as he thinks I’ll be completely able to drive myself there and back. 

He’s probably more scared than you are. 
My husband was with me at every appointment up to the first year after treatment end. 
Can you take a friend or parent? It’s to hear what you don’t especially if you hear the word cancer because you won’t hear anything else after that. 

Hi

My husband like Danis attended every appointment as your brain turns to mush. We also took our daughter to the oncology meeting and she took notes. Yes you probably will be ok to drive but …… if you’re not is it fair to you and others. Is there anyone else who can go with yiu a friend or family. 

hazel. 

It is a scary time for both of you, my wife attended every appointment with me, still does, but I can fully understand hubby's reluctance, the very thought of cancer is terrifying for all family members.

Spend the next couple of weeks doing things that you really like, and try to give Google a miss.

I’ve requested that he come with me, but he won’t, as there’s something else he wants to do that evening. (I’d much rather be doing something - anything! - else than having scopes and needles shoved in me, but never mind.)

Sadly, parents aren’t an option as my mother died 11 years ago and my father is in a care home with Alzheimer’s, and neither of my (adult) children live close. So, I’ll be putting my Big Girl Pants on and going solo for the clinic visit, and if further visits are needed, will demand rather than politely request that he comes along too. 

I’m currently being pressured to book flights for a planned overseas trip in September; as I currently don’t know what September will hold, I’ve asked if we can defer that for a couple of weeks at least until I have a better picture.

Hi there,

Could you not ask a friend to go with you? A support network of friends is really handy - I am so grateful to mine. I'm sure if you explain what's going on, there will be someone who will accompany you? If you're North Wales based, I'll come with you :-) xx

You can record the conversation but if the hospital doesn’t allow that take pen and paper and write everything down. 

Katydid said:

I’m currently being pressured to book flights for a planned overseas trip in September; as I currently don’t know what September will hold, I’ve asked if we can defer that for a couple of weeks at least until I have a better picture.

I really really hope this is a false alarm. If it isn’t I’m afraid it’s not very hopeful for you to make plans for going away that soon. 
You are either going to be given an all clear in two weeks but if further Investigation is needed you aren’t going to get any results for maybe a month after that.