how i knew i had throat cancer

Oral…, Swallowing difficulty is the inability to swallow foods or liquids with ease. That was where my cancer had spread to. Once again she saw me and after the scans, showed to us on the monitor the lymph nodes on my left side were cancerous. I feel upset that I had to go thru all these Dr visits to get a diagnosis. Throat cancer can spread Throat cancer that originates in the squamous cells can invade deeper tissues including muscle. Not necessarily: Throat cancer can take years to develop Risk factors include smoking, drinking and oral sex If your worried see a specialist ENT for exam Answered on Nov 11, 2015 1 doctor agrees T4 Squamous Cell Carcinoma. I freaked out went to Dr. he gave me antibiotics sent me home, said nothing to worry about. Learn about the different types, … I try to make myself believe that there is something else wrong, but I think it is a sign for a throat cancer. Toddlers are always sick from first day of school till last day. Mouth cancer symptoms. These abnormal cells form malignant growths called tumors. Long story short, the 2nd ENT Doc did the same thing. Your doctor may recommend this therapy along with standard chemotherapy and radiation. I knew then that it was cancer. I think it was denial but even the Dr. first thought it might just be a sinus infection settled in the lympth node, which can happen. It was not painful whatsoever and I virtually ignored it. Then a lump in my throat appeared and was biopsied and the lymph node was positive for scuamous cell carcinoma. I survived and intend to go on living...you can too, just hand in there. I just thought it was sinutitus, no big deal. I had better odds at winning the lottery and I don't even play! That was another 6 or 8 months. Thanks for responding. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. He made an immediate appt with a H&N cancer surgeon. 27 Replies, Are there any other men out there or their concerned women who are aware of the epidemic of tongue and throat cancer caused by oral sex? Are you sure you want to delete this reply? 4) permanent, severe, chronic dry mouth. Thanks, Marshie. I didn't know you could have cancer and not know where it was. After being treated for head and neck cancer, Michael explains what he wishes he had known before he started treatment, including oral care tips, nutrition advice, and how to get support. Things got rough towards the very end of radiation treatment for me but I made it. For me, I had a tumor on the L base of my tongue. Best of luck to you. That is when I first met Dr Carol Shores my life saver and angel. I am on a PEG tube since July of last year. Around August 15, 2006 a sore broke through my hard palate. I was sitting in church about one month later waiting for a meeting and all of the sudden I coughed up blood. If this test reveals abnormalities, your doctor may take a tissue sample (called a biopsy) from your throat and test the sample for cancer. We scheduled a surgery, August 16, 2007. In many cases, symptoms only appear during more advanced stages, making it crucial for at-risk individuals to receive periodic exams to rule out possible tumors. 3) right eye lid of which I am considering surgery to lift it - my lower eye lid does not close - damaging the eye - and collects the tears instead of them draining. Imaging tests of the chest, neck, and head can provide a better picture of the disease’s progression. Started rad and chemo in Sept. Cancer is resolved, last PET on March 4th said I was clean. Some people with throat cancer require therapy after treatment to relearn how to speak. I have once a year visits with Dr Shores and once a year visits with my local oncologist. I think I "knew" early on long before any of the tests. I told Ann, the managing nurse at my radiation session that morning and she immediately took me off radiation, saw the radiation oncologist and he made an appt with Dr Shores for me. After 2 weeks nothing had changed so I went to my first of 3 ENT Doc's. All rights reserved. If only I knew then what I know now. In Loving Memory of Gary Stefano, Diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer in 2014. While waiting for results I remember talking about how it was probably an infection and he would get antibiotics and everything would be fine, and where do you want to go for lunch.....then the Dr. came in and said it looked like a tumor, and it probably was cancer. Throat cancer is a general term that describes several different types of cancer. They did a PET scan which showed no cancer anywhere else and I was told it was a stage 2b. People who have a hard time swallowing may choke on their food or liquid…, Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by human papillomavirus. Went to the family doctor. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Some cancers which begin in the throat area, as well as the tongue, salivary glands, sinuses, nose or ear, are classified as head and neck cancers. Signs include bleeding in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, or a persistent earache. Lump did not go away, gave me more meds, lump still did not go away. I didn't know you could have cancer and not know where it was. The first symptom I had was a feeling of fullness in my throat. Most of you are doing well but, Freddy, I am going to pray for you. Fast forward about 2 weeks, I looked in the mirror and saw a lump on the side of my neck about the size of an egg. If the tumor in your throat is small, your doctor may surgically remove the tumor. P.S. The biggest lesson I learned from this sa far is to be proactive about my health. Lots of people aren't. Oral cancers develop in the tissues of the mouth or throat. Frances. Reading your stories gives me goose bumps. So, he took a couple of biopsy's and called me the next day with " It doesn't look good" that is all he would say. Ouch, what a hard story. I am now just finishing my first week of radation... no chemo.. looking foward to a good recovery. Head and neck cancer develops from tissues in the mouth, larynx (throat), salivary glands, nose, sinuses or the skin of the face.Symptoms predominantly include a sore that does not heal or a change in the voice. Finally went to a head and neck Dr. I went to my doctor, he said he could not see anything that I should be concerned about. For instance, voice changes may be a sign of laryngeal (voice box) cancer, but they would rarely indicate cancer of the pharynx. You may cough or feel like food or liquid are going into the airway (windpipe). Throat cancer most often begins in the flat cells that line the inside of your throat.Your voice box sits just below your throat and also is susceptible to throat cancer. The nature of nicotine makes it very difficult to quit…, Here are the best cancer blogs to find support, gain information, learn about the newest research and treatments, and more. In fact, some people diagnosed with throat cancer are diagnosed with esophageal, lung, or bladder cancer at the same time. Thank goodness he had a dentist who was on the ball. I went back 2 days later and there it was a lump in my throat. All this time he had no pain, just a little trouble chewing at times. Hang in there. A laryngoscopy is an exam that allows your doctor to see your larynx and detect issues within your throat. They asked how much blood and what led to me coughing blood. Some symptoms of throat cancer are specific to certain areas of the body. Lets say surgery was aborted and small biopsy was taken. But, here I am 16 years later living a good life. As soon as i told him the story he sent me for another hearing test with a preasure test on my ear drums. They have never found the primary tumor site so they had to bombard me with rad and chemo. This landed me in the er. The chances of cross migration from the right to the left side were 1% and sure enough I had to be the one to do the 1% thing. So no one really knows if they got it. Hang in there, buddy. These are the basic stages of throat cancer: Stage 0 Throat Cancer Also called carcinoma in situ, this is the very beginning of the scale. My husband didn't even think of cancer went to the dentist for his usual check up and told her to look under his tongue at a little lump she sent him straight to an oncologist then to an ENT and woosh it all started. The Ct was then followed by and endoscopy and a biopsy- stage 4 tonsil cancer- and our trip down the rabbit hole began. By late December my back molar on my right side was loose and finally fell out. This surgery is done in the hospital while you’re under sedation. But there are risk factors that can increase your chance of developing it. Cancer is a class of diseases in which abnormal cells multiply and divide uncontrollably in the body. It turned my life completely around. Not many on here seemed to have a proactive doctor at first. By this time it was growing so fast I was losing my voice and was having trouble swallowing. Sounds like most of you had doctors or dentists who did not initially suspect cancer but you all kept at it. President Teddy Roosevelt had the same thing. We got to the car and I just started crying and sobbing like a baby. It often has few or no symptoms, which is why getting…. This can be improved by working with a speech therapist and a physical therapist. Dry Mouth and nueropathy are the culprits at this point. One morning I woke up and noticed a lump in my neck. I didn't have lymphoma. If it is not treated, the enlarging tumour can compress … It is very difficult to do my work mostly on the computer. That report came back ok. We were getting ready to take my wife to her doctor appointment when she noticed the entire right side of my face drooped. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. The biopsy confirmed I had nasalpharngeal SCC. 22 Replies, I am 43 year old male and have been told that I have tongue cancer and the only treatment is surgery ,where in hallf of the tounge would ne ... Throat cancer refers to cancer of the voice box, vocal cords, and other parts of the throat, such as the tonsils and the oropharynx. Dom Marshall, from Wolstanton, turned to private treatment after radiotherapy made it virtually impossible to swallow. Sorry you went through all that. Having had a medical background, two of the major symptons of cancer patients are cronic fatigue and an insable thirst. I am doing well, but have the same issues as a lot of you. There’s no definitive way to prevent throat cancer, but you can take steps to reduce your risk: Most throat cancers are generally related to smoking and not hereditary, unless the family members are predisposed to smoking. An MRI looks for tumors and can determine whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body. You’ll lie in a narrow tube as the machine creates images. These will depend on the type of throat cancer you have, but there are some common risk factors. Doctors who treat people with head and neck cancers should be able to help you with any problems that come up. It was like they KNEW just how much the body can take. (teeth were fine) That was on a Monday and by the Thursday we were down at the maxcillo facial clinic having biopsies done. What you should know about throat cancer. I remember the Dr. examining him, and doing blood work. All I can say is God is Good. never saw this coming because I am only 33 with two young boys. Radiation treatments. I got it checked out that week. Told ... I had the CAT done the next day and before I even got home he called and told me to come in again the following day for a biopsy. Other types of targeted therapy are being researched in clinical trials. He told ... He sent me to an oncologist. Thank goodness you were persistent. 17 Replies, My fiance' just found out he has stage 3 Squamous Cancer on his tonsil, Tongue and lymph node. Certain lifestyle habits increase the risk of developing cancer of the throat, including: Throat cancer is also associated with certain types of human papillomavirus infections (HPV). Throughout treatment, you’ll work closely with a variety of specialists. We have more information about the causes and risk factors for head and neck cancer. That set me on a rapid course of treatment. In febuary he wanted to do biopsy and remover tumor. I liked your last two sentences best. tumor. Biopsies were cut all over my mouth all of which came back negative. Seems a real blessing that you had health care providers who were on the ball since yours was so fasts growing. Of course I was on heavy pain meds for the pain in my throat and neck but even that pain subsided over time and I was able to get off the meds completely. He came up with a infected tooth and to go and see the dentist as he thought it was a swollen gland. 87 Replies, WHAT IS A THROAT CANCER DEATH LIKE IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS / MONTHS OF LIFE ? I'm always strong ... Hope you are improving. In addition, some people with throat cancer experience complications. Not a few days later did it start bleeding when I dried it after showering. It was stage 3 squamous cell and an aggressive cell type. When amking the approach for landing I could not clear my left ear. The oral surgeon took a panorama xray showing both my left and right sinus cavities. Above all remember, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU to support you, bitch, whine, cry...we will hold your hand if needed. 90 Replies, Read what Michael Douglas has to say about his survivorship with "hellish throat-cancer". It is over 1" high. Taste Recovery? I'm in the 5%bracket. I hope treatment is going well. Throat cancer describes an agglomeration of various kinds of cancer that affect the throat and adjacent areas. Carla, My wife Debi and I made the appointment which was a Friday, then had to wait over the weekend for the results, nothing like being on hold when your life is at risk. What were the first foods you found delicious again? – WHAT ACTUALLY CAUSES DEATH ? Yaaaaa. I continue to gain my health and strenght back and my zest for life. Very painful, but after much pushing, it finally cleared. Went to an ENT and had a radical neck dissection and 37 radiation treatments. I have the materials to make it, I just have to get down and do it. To check for throat cancer, your doctor will perform a direct or an indirect laryngoscopy or will refer you to a specialist for the procedure. I told them no fever just sore throat. mogeye, These may include: Occupational therapists can help with swallowing difficulty. I felt the treatment as not too bad, didnt have some of the ill effects that some do and felt lucky. Some people inherit DNA mutations from their parents that greatly increase their risk for developing certain cancers. 57 Replies, Many of us lose some or all taste during treatment for Head and Neck Cancer. I was wondering how they were tested ... By June i was getting pretty unconfortable, but we had a trip planned for Sturgis in July and wanted to make the trip. Throat cancer is relatively uncommon in comparison to other cancers. Treatment options for throat cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. They said my throat was red but not anything...possibly tonsil infection. Doctor said mass to large to do surgery. So I often read about people on this forum discussing that they have acquired HPV related oral cancer. This scan helps your doctor determine the size of a tumor. I did have chemo and radiation treatments however I did not have surgery ... Learn more about why this happens and how it’s treated. I took him to the ER. MICHAEL DOUGLAS AND "HELLISH THROAT-CANCER! When it became very painful, and difficult to open his mouth I finally talked him into getting help. Setting me up with Chemo and Radiation treatment. It describes abnormal cells in the lining of the throat that have the potential to become cancer. It targets any cancerous cells left behind by the tumor. He did a hearing test, looked in my ear and showed me on video that I had some kind of membrane growing over my ear drum in both ears. Stage I Throat Cancer Stage I describes a very early stage of cancer. I called ent 2 weeks later when I went in he looked and immediately sent me for ct scan. Thanks so much for sharing. After months of treatment and to and fro to the hospital(who were great team) our life is starting to go back to normal. So take heart there is a light at the end of it all......all the best Your doctor may suggest a barium swallow if you’re having difficulties swallowing. He ... You might feel like food is stuck in your throat. Before those tests were sent away we were already told he had cancer...turns out he had scc stage4 with bi-lateral nodes involved. He ordered a CT which came back with a 98% chance that it showed cancer cells. by Feb I was still having trouble with my ear, and also, my left nostril was always plugged up. This imaging test uses radio waves and strong magnets to create detailed pictures of the inside of your neck. Whether you’re navigating…. Here are some ways this treatment may be used to treat head and neck cancers: As the main treatment For about six months, her husband John complained about a sore throat and an earache that came and went. A laryngoscopy gives your doctor a closer view of your throat. This imaging test uses X-rays to create a cross-sectional picture of your body. Cancers of the brain, the eye, the esophagus, and the thyroid gland, as well as those of the scalp, skin, muscles, and bones of the head and neck, are not usually classified as head and neck cancers.. I know I have stress and on the outside. Then a sore developed inside my cheek. However, those diagnosed can continue treatment to prolong their life and slow the progression of the disease. You’ll drink a thick liquid to coat your throat and esophagus. The scan creates images of areas of radioactivity in your body. I was able to eat soft foods and gradulally was able to stop my tube feedings and get the tube OUT! David After months of not eating and pain, my then girlfriend convinced me to get help. My first Post-Treatment PET scan at 2 months showed me Clear/Clean of all cancer cells. It is almost like the world turns merrily along and you step off that merry-go-round into an alternate reality to do battle with reality. Your doctor may recommend one of the following types of biopsies: If your doctor finds cancerous cells in your throat, they will order additional tests to identify the stage, or the extent, of your cancer. That's another story but was the cause of my cancer. I hated having the stomach tube for feedings but was glad it was there for my nurishment. The tumor was on the base of the back of my tongue. So far no re-occurances of any symptons and I am coming up on my 6th month PET which I am confident will be clean, my body tells me so. The general surgeon said we'll measure the lump and you come back in 3 months and we'll see if it grows. When the dentist looked down his throat he was shocked at what he saw. After 2 rounds of anti-biotics that did nothing he refered me to an ENT. One type of targeted therapy used to treat throat cancer is cetuximab (Erbitux). Have it checked! Some types of thyroid cancers can quickly invade nearby structures, such as the trachea. This type of imaging test can be used in cases of advanced cancer. 10 Replies, I went to see my ENT yesterday afternoon because I was having pain on the left side of my tongue, I had a scheduled appointment this July. 21 Replies, Help on diagnosis of hpv related oral cancer, Squamous cell carcinoma stage four first diagnose 2004 second 2006-current. The dry mouth you mentioned, I have had that problem to the point of drinking about 3 times normal liquid lately. It was confirmed. Lets just say it was not better. Sometimes, cancerous squamous cells can be found in the lymph nodes of the upper neck when there is no evidence of cancer in other parts of the head and neck (). It might sound different. After the first surgery, I just started radiation and chemo. “Throat cancer” can actually mean more than one kind of cancer, and each affects a different place in your throat. Using a scope to get a closer look at your throat. God is Good. I would appreciate hearing your personal stories of how you first suspected cancer and also how you were diagnosed. The cancer may be gone but the treatment has left me ... I am blest. Last medically reviewed on August 9, 2018, Human papillomavirus (HPV) that occurs in the mouth is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). They are tracking for the potential of lung cancer. That lump turned out to be the tip of a tumor about the size of an egg. My husband had a lump on the side of his neck for about 6 months, and did nothing about it. He cleaned them told me to come back in a month if things didn't change. It is important to know the common signs and symptoms of cancer. HEAD AND NECK cancer include cancers of the mouth and throat - and rarer cancers. I am now over 5 years out and deemed 'cured' from this cancer. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus. Throat cancer refers to cancer of the voice box, the vocal cords, and other parts of the throat, such as the tonsils and oropharynx. In order to diagnose throat cancer, your doctor may recommend: 1. I could still eat ok with no problem, but that feeling would not go away. After my scope it was a world wind. You can reduce your risk of throat cancer by not smoking, not chewing tobacco and limiting alcohol use. ... 15 years experience ENT and Head and Neck Surgery. Also, one side of my chin and lip have been numb for weeks. I came home one day and I kept clearing my throat, my wife said "what's up" I told her their is probably a stone in my tonsil...So, I gargled for a week and my throat felt thicker...One night I decided I would get the flashlight out to see the stone, and discovered that my tonsil was swollen and hitting my uvula...I went to the doctor the next day and she said "it looks like an abscess"...So, she sent me to an ENT and he gave me antibiotics and steroids for ten days...I went back after the ten days and he said "It hasn't gone down as much as it should have".

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