Letter received today

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. 

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.

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