Hi, I was diagnosed with stage T1 last week after s biopsy. I was told I was young at 30 to have this type of cancer as it’s usually seen in older men who’ve smoked heavily for 30 years or so. I have also never smoked. It was suggested it may be a genetic fault. My consultant has said he removed it all (squamous cell carcinoma) and I just have to have s tube down my throat every 6 weeks to check if it comes back. I haven’t been offered any scans and now I’m panicking in case it’s anywhere else. How can they say for certain it’s not, without a full body scan?
Good evening Charlotteamelia3579, sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with this cancer , its funny as I was told that I was fairly young at 48 so I would not read to much into that , although having age on your side is a bonus for healing and recovery . All I was told is that smoking and drinking CAN put up the risk of getting any head or neck cancer . Unfortunately I drank and smoked but my consultant never blamed me or said it was definitely this what caused it , although cancer runs through our family so it could like you be linked to that , anyway how we get this awful disease does not matter at this stage its how it is prevented , So you have had surgery then the treatment afterwards ? Im afraid no removal of any cancer is guaranteed they just hope through experience they have removed it with wide margins , having scans done are very rare and I have never had one done after an operation yet I had 3 head and neck related cancers and were checked by feeling around the neck and inside the mouth . The good thing is that you are having a camera down you throat to have a look , I should say its not a nice feeling having it done as im sure you know, I had it once the rest were done when I was put under . Personally I agree , more frequent scans should be done . Best of luck of luck with your recovery and please come back if you need more advise or guidance , take care .
Chris xx
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
Hi Charlotteamelia3579, you are welcome as I know how you are feeling but to be honest I don't think they will do a private scan so early after surgery as nothing will show yet , please ask your consultant if or when he will do a scan as some hospitals do them yet some don't so if you let him know your concerns maybe they will do one. Don't feel guilty as we all act or react differently to dealing with cancer , the trouble is when we get a cut , cold or an ache we can go to a Dr who can sort of treat it on the spot but with cancer it shows no visible signs . Please let us know how you get on , take care .
Chris . x
P.S im a twin 
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
