Letter received today

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Hi Everyone. Hope all well.

Just a quick update. Had my additional biopsies last Tuesday to Lymph node and nasal space shich I am awaiting results from.

Today a letter appeared in my NHS app from my consultant to my GP which I a am little confused as to what it means so could do with your thoughts if possible.

Quote

This Gentlemens case has been discussed at MDT. Tonsillectomy 2 weeks ago did not show any cancer. The PET CT scan has been reviewed which was performed subsequently shows slight uptake in the post nasal space. Our MDT recommend a biopsy in that area.

The previous FNA on the right neck node was only suspicious for SCC and certainly not enough for further staining. We will also be there for performing a core biopsy at the same time.

Your thoughts on what above means would be much appreciated as I'm a little confused.

Thanks

Paul

  • Hi Paul. Your case has been discussed by the multidisciplinary team which comprises consultants of various specialisms and support staff 

    No cancer in Tonsils. The PET has showed up a potential cancer in the space at the back of the nose that connects the nose to the throat and the recommendation is for a biopsy. 
    The biopsy taken on your lymph node was taken using FNA which is a technique using a very fine needle. These often don’t provide a diagnostic sample. This one only suggested squamous cell carcinoma so they are taking a larger sample. 
    I hope this helps. 
    Good luck. 

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I wrote a blog about my cancer. just click on the link below 

    https://todaymycoffeetasteslikechristmasincostarica.com 

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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  • Hi Paul

    Looks like they are searching for your primary tumour.  You are somewhat similar to me (see profile).

    What they are saying is that there is no sign of the cancer in your tonsils, but the PET scan is "glowing" a little at the point where the nasal passages join the throat (the PET scan looks at the uptake of radioactive glucose in the body, all sorts of things can cause an uptake, cancer, an infection etc).  Mine did similar.  They are recommending a biopsy to confirm or rule out cancer there.  I had a similar PET scan initially.  

    You have had a fine needle biopsy on your neck.  That really did not show anything definite, but when they have you in to look at the nasal area they will also take more of the lump in your neck to get a definitive answer.

    My initial FNA showed all clear but a subsequent removal of the node showed secondary cancer.  You could liken the FNA to a needle in a haystack!

    Hope that helps.  If you are at all unsure speak to your CNS who will have been at the MDT and will understand the nuances of what they discussed.

    Peter
    See my profile for more details of my convoluted journey
  • Hi. Thanks for reply. Just seemed a little confusing after been told by the consultant weeks ago you have cancer and then the letter saying suspicion of SCC. Is there a difference.?

    Regards

    Paul

  • Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that arises from skin cells, in this case those lining the mouth and throat . Biopsy slides are stained for P16 which shows whether the cancer is due to HPV which responds very well to radiation 

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I wrote a blog about my cancer. just click on the link below 

    https://todaymycoffeetasteslikechristmasincostarica.com 

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

    Community Champion badge