Could it be throat cancer? Or something a little less worrying :(

Posted , 4 users are following.

Thank you for reading my post, I appreciate it so much. I will try and put this really simple so you don't have to read my life story.

I'm 24, female, smoked 6 years (I know this doesn't help) Throat/lymph node pain for two years. Many blood tests done over this period and all ok. Recently the pain lasts longer and is more frequent. The doctors says they aren't concerned as all blood tests are fine and no obvious growth in my throat.

Decided to see a dentist as the problem has been ongoing and to a point where I take pain medication most days. She was really concerned and referred me to the hospital via the 'two-week wait' system. I had to wait over a month for the appointment and when I turned up (this Monday) I was told by the specialist in maxillofacial I was referred to the wrong department. He did however ask me many question such as cancer in the family, symptoms and said I would need to see someone from ear nose and throat for a scope procedure.

This appointment is for next Wednesday and I'm just really scared and need some advice and reassurance! My symptoms are sore throat (nothing like tonsillitis) which is confined to the right side of my throat, ear pain, neck discomfort, headaches, croaky voice on and off. Some of these are symptoms of throat cancer and as I smoke I've more or less told myself this is what I have.sorry to sound silly but I've been suffering for so long and so anxious waiting again for this next appointment.

The only thing is, I haven't lost any weigh, the pain hasn't got any worse, I don't have a cough or drink any alcohol. And so I just wondered could it really be cancer? Has anyone has these symptoms and been diagnosed with anything other than cancer?

I know It makes it worse but I turn to dr google for advice now and then and nothing else seems to come up that represent what I am going through, other than cancer!

Wow, I said I would keep it short! Sorry any advice you could give me would be amazing.

Xx

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Charlie,

      I been suffering for 2 years with sore throat, phlegm, post nasal, and finally earaches and pain!!! After three doctors assuring me nothing was wrong--the pain got too intense and decided to find a ent doctor that knows what the hell he is doing. Guess what??? I have LPR.  Most doctors do not know about this because it is a fairly recent finding.  It is acid backing up into your throat and voice box--but you have no heartburn at all!!! Go to a reputable doctor!!Don't forget to ask about LPR-silent reflux.  Have one visit with the doctor and meds were given--feeling better in one day--AT LAST!!  Good Luck to you and I wish you well. and BTW smoking does not cause this--I am a smoker--it does aggravate it--but does not cause it. All the other doctors told me stop smoking--that was the cause!! I smoke 4 or 5 cigarettes a day my entire life and all of a sudden it is causing my afflictions?? Some doctors and just no so good at what they do!!!

    • Posted

      Thank you so much for your reassurance and reply! I will look into this! It's been going on so long and I just want it sorting!

      I hope we both get it sorted! Thanks again for your advice xx

    • Posted

      Wow can I just say lpr has all the same things I have! I'm really hoping it is something like this and not bad! Thanks again! And I know right, I smoke 5 a day and they make out am a heavy smoker haha

      Thank youuu!

  • Posted

    Hi Charlie,

    Very similar situation at the moment. 30 year old female.. 15 years of smoking sad((((. The only difference is my right tonsil is super swollen and hard along with all similar symptoms. Has been since October. I've had blood work, ct scans, nasal scope, endoscopy, barium swallow and the list goes on and on. No findings. My ENT now wants to take my tonsils out to perform a biopsy on them. sad

    Tonsillectomy is scheduled for 2/8/17.

    Blessings,

    Melissa

    • Posted

      Hi Mellissa!

      Thank you for replying I really appreciate it! Sorry to hear that your going through a crap time! I really hope taking the tonsils out may solve the issue and there are nothing wrong with them! I've read a lot about people with the same issues and no findings? I kind of hope in one way it's nothing, but in another way it has to be something, you know?

      Do you have any other symptoms along with throats pain?

      Please update if you have any luck or get to know what's happening!

      Thank you,

      Charlie xx

    • Posted

      Oh and also how much do you smoke if you don't mind me asking? Mine varies with what I'm doing, sometimes 5 a day sometimes a few more..

      this is why I think it can't be smoking as I'm not exactly a heavy smoker! But I suppose it doesn't help this situation 😌

    • Posted

      I just want an answer at this point sad

      My current symptoms are:

      Sore throat on right side only, neck sore/achy on R side only, ear pain R side only.. Funny taste in my mouth too sometimes. And this stupid R tonsil is swollen!

      I am on 40mg of Protonix for acid reflux (this was diagnosed from all these issues going on- so who knows how accurate it is.) I am also on 10mg of Singulair for my asthma.

      I will keep you posted on the results of the tonsillectomy after I recover. sad

      I have smoked since I was 15 (I am 30 now).. And more than 5 cigs a day. Sometimes 3-4x that amount. sad(

      Sending love and prayers for answers for you.

    • Posted

      My symptoms are exactly the same!

      I have pain/aches on the right side of my body too, its all the right side.

      Did they ever mention tonsil stones? sounds just like those but im sure they would have known that by now?

      It must be really frustrating having tests done and being no clearer.

      Yes please let me know! I really dont think your smoking has anything to do with it as majority of your tests are clear.

      Sending love and prayers to you 

    • Posted

      Charlie

      I do have tonsil stones. Have had them for a majority of my life. This is def NOT them.. They're a nuisance but don't cause any real throat issues or pain or swelling They are just smelly and pop out sometimes when I get sick and my throat is inflamed. I asked ENT if the stones could have something to do with this and he flat out said no. sad

      Very frustrating process... Keep me posted too please!

  • Posted

    Hi Charlie,

    Very similar situation at the moment. 30 year old female.. 15 years of smoking sad((((. The only difference is my right tonsil is super swollen and hard along with all similar symptoms. Has been since October. I've had blood work, ct scans, nasal scope, endoscopy, barium swallow and the list goes on and on. No findings. My ENT now wants to take my tonsils out to perform a biopsy on them. sad

    Tonsillectomy is scheduled for 2/8/17.

    Blessings,

    Melissa

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