I have suffered for some time now with a branchial cyst ...
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I have suffered for some time now with a branchial cyst which swells intermittently. Unfortunately a few weeks ago this reoccurred with a vengence and my Consultant prescribed antibiotics which were ineffective. I was prescribed another course but yet again these didn't work. At no stage did he say that it could have an abscess even though he had examined this on numerous occassions. My neck by now was extremely swollen, sore, red and painful. Finally, after 3 weeks of agony, my lump burst. Oh what a mess! Oh what a smell! Foul thick, white pus was pouring out of my neck. I was rushed to hospital and they finally agreed that an abscess had formed on top of the cyst. It was lanced to improve the drainage and I have had four days of intravenous antibiotics and numerous changes of dressings and packing. Each one without any pain relief. The agony was immense. I was finally sent home after four days but am now on daily packing and dressing changes at home and need a further 2 weeks of antibiotics. Even then no-one can tell me how long it will take to heal.
I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
If you are unahppy with your doctors diagnosis and the swelling on your neck becomes bigger, even after antibiotics, pester your doctor. Insist that they check for an abscess. Antibiotics won't work until the abscess has burst apparently and by then the damage is done.:shock:
[i:bff639d5af]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:bff639d5af]
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[i:7aa60984b2]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:7aa60984b2]
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After my branchial cyst was removed it was tested to ensure that there was nothing sinister hiding. :?: Unfortunately there was - cancer. Apparently it is rare for a branchial cyst to turn cancerous so they had to find the primary source. This turned out to be my tonsil. As a result I had to go back into hospital for a tonsilectomy, have several lymph nodes removed and most of my trapesius muscle as well.
I then endured 33 daily sessions of radiotherapy coupled with 6 (weekly) sessions of chemotherapy. All at the same time. The chemo and radiotherapy had to be done together for maximum effect. I have never felt so ill in my whole life.
As a result of it all I have lost 3 stones in weight, have extensive scarring to my neck and have a permanent weakness in my shoulder from the loss of muscle. I have also suffered burn damage from the radiotherapy to my cheeks and neck which means that I no longer have to shave. I also have no saliva glands which means I have a permanently dry mouth. Everything I eat has to be accompanied with a drink. I also have to carry a drink with me at all times to keep my mouth lubricated.
However, I am still here! :D
I would stress that blood tests don't necessarily show up cancer. All mine came back clear. If my consultant hadn't sent the cyst for biopsy because he was curious the cancer may not have been picked up as early as it was and who knows? :?:
If you are unhappy with the doctors diagnose ask for a second opinion. You know your own body the doctor doesn't.
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