Referral for suspected Oral cancer

Hi Beth.

Take a deep breath. over 90% of referrals turn out to not be cancer...so hold onto that.

Your GP is doing the right thing in getting you seen quickly and the two week cancer pathway is the quickest. 

You ARE going to worry, it's natural but all you can do is keep busy, put aside stuff you can do nothing about.

If you do have cancer the truth is that although the treatment is tough it works. I am over six years clear of mine and doing perfectly well. 

BethMcK said:

I'm wondering if anybody can tell me what to expect at this appointment please? Will I have a biopsy there and then? 

You will meet a consultant who will give your mouth and throat a good visual exam and you will probably get a nasoendoscopic exam of the back of your throat. The scope is very thin and goes up your nose. It doesn't hurt, it's just a little uncomfortable. You can ask for a squirt of local into your nose but I never bothered.

If there is a suspect lesion it may well be biopsied under local there and then. 

The doctor will have good feel for any swelling in your neck. They may order an MRI or an ultrasound

On the other hand they may say nothing looks suspicious and send you home.

Take somebody in with you to be an extra pair of ears, take notes and don't leave until everything is explained  so that you understand.

Good luck

Thank you so much for your reply! 

I really am such a big worrier and I know being referred on the cancer pathway does not in any way mean that I DO have cancer, just that it needs to be ruled out but the symptoms I have are all symptoms of that, but I am holding on to the fact that they are also symptoms of infection etc. If it wasn't for the little lump staying for so long I would just put it all down to an infection. 

Thank you so much for explaining the consultation process for me, this has been playing on my mind, and although I kind of had an idea of what they may do, I have been worrying that they will send me for a biopsy rather than doing it there, which would mean more waiting, and more worrying! 

I am so so pleased to hear that you are 6 years cancer free!! Just amazing, and nice to hear of positive outcomes, although I can only imagine what you went through to get there. I really am hoping that this is just a scary wake up call and I can move on quickly from it, but it is comforting to talk through fears with people who have been where I am right now.

I appreciate your response! 

Beth.

BethMcK said:

although I can only imagine what you went through to get there.

Really....the worry is the most mentally painful part. Treatment is pants but it doesn't last forever. The pain is a distant memory and just like childbirth it has receded and something good came of it. Be kind to yourself and hugs

My mind getting ahead of itself is really taking a toll and these 2 weeks have gone so slow, my appointment is on Monday so not much longer to go and hopefully I will be able to post a very happy update! Thank you so much for taking the time to message.

Take care 

Beth.

Hi BethMck

Like Dani said the not knowing is mentally exhausting.Totally normal for your brain to go on overdrive to try and cope with such an anxious time in your life.

Try and keep busy over the weekend, watch a series play with your children etc …do things you enjoy xappointment goes well on Monday and its only good news.

Debbie

Thank you so much for your reply.

I really am trying to stay positive and focus on the fact it could well be something far less scary! Laying in bed at night is horrible.

Got a few nice things to do over the weekend with the kids so that will keep me busy and then my appointment is first thing in the morning after the school run, I'm really hoping if they take biopsies that the results will be quick, and praying all clear!! 

I'm just so scared right now!

Beth.

Investigations will normally rule out or confirm a cancer diagnosis, most outcomes are not cancer, if cancer is diagnosed it is usually very treatable with very good results.

Waiting for results is torture but we have no other option.

Good luck

M

I think I have convinced myself that it is cancer and I am so scared about it all but I really need to focus on the fact that it could well be something else and easily sorted, the countdown to this appointment has really dragged and I know it will be worse whilst I wait for the actual results! Just trying to keep my mind busy but that is easier said than done. 

Thank you so much for your reply

Beth.

Hello Beth

Just popping up to wish you well for Monday. Don't worry about not going to the doctor sooner, I was the same and here I am, over 2 years on. The waiting is awful, I know! 

Well done for finding this forum, it's so informative and helpful. 

Good luck! 

Catriona

That is true, 8 years ago my brother went to the doctor 2 years after first discovering a lump and he was told it was caught early, I'm hoping that 6 months wouldn't be a long time for it to progress so bad, if it does turn out to be cancer! It's all just so scary isn't it. Especially the mental torture you go through whilst waiting for appointments and results! 

I'm so happy to hear you are cancer free and doing well, these are the things that people need to hear during such worrying times, thats how I came about this forum by searching for peoples experiences so I can feel reassured that it doesn't always mean you are being diagnosed with a death sentence. Just the thought of it when my kids are so young and depend on me makes me shudder! I'm praying I have just jumped to conclusions and been overthinking my symptoms and there is a much simpler explanation for it.

I hope you continue to do well and thank you so much for your reply!

Beth.