I was diagnosed with tonsil cancer last week and was told T3N1M0. Planning in process for CRT. I had a routine appointment today with the HNC specialist nurse and dietitian. During the meeting the ENT consultant came in and told me that the scans had been looked at more closely and because there is very slight invasive spread to the tongue my stage has been amended to T4.
However, incidental findings from CT and MRI have shown lesions, one at the base of the skull and several upper right side of abdomen. The radiologist didn’t think they were connected to the tonsil cancer but isn’t sure what they are. I need to have a triple scan and advice sought from specialist at Salford about base of skull lesion. I was diagnosed with a fatty liver in January which was found on USS whilst checking kidneys.
They are still carrying on with the plan for CRT and told this is the main priority . The ENT surgeon did say she wasn’t worried, they just need to know what they are, but I’m not sure if she just said that to try and stop me having an absolute meltdown! I’m absolutely terrified and totally shell shocked with this news. I can’t believe this is happening 
Hi Ally
The consultant will not lie to you. You always get straight answers as there is no messing about with a cancer diagnosis. If she isn't worried then you should believe her. I had two lesions in my lungs on my chest CT. My consultant's registrar thought they were geriatric lung nodules but scheduled a re-scan three months hence. I asked her whether My RT would go ahead if they suspected they were cancer and she said. "No, the treatment would be different".
My MRI also revealed a lesion on my thyroid cartilage (part of the larynx) My oncologist wasn't worried about this either and I had an ultrasound after treatment to check whether there had been any change. Luckily not and a benign cartilage tumour was presumed.
So though my circumstances are different it just illustrates how many incidental things we carry without noticing.
Try not to worry about the extra spread of the cancer. My base of tongue cancer had crept up towards my tonsils and across the midline of my tongue but the RT sorted it
Extending your diagnosis to T4 might mean you get an extra week of RT. It's something to ask at your next appointment
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
My anxiety levels are through the roof!
They will be but as soon as you start there is getting through that and getting better to concentrate on. Its now out if your control but the guys who ARE in control are good at what they do. Let them look after you, do what they say, let them know how you feel every day you’re at the hospital and you’ll be ok.
We are pretty good at propping people up here too so stay with us as well. Hugs
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Hi,
and propping people up is what we are good at doing on this site
