Lingering concern about possible malignancy in neck. Should I push for further tests or diagnosis?

Question

I can see some of you might offer advice? I have a base of tongue growth 8mm with focal calcifications extending down, right side asymmetry in throat as well and two levels of borderline nodes, bilaterally up to 12 mm. ENT at first wanted to do biopsy when he saw CT report, but then looked inside and said it is likely incidental. I get neck pain in front and back on the right side intermittenly, which is why I saw him in first place and because of my nodes, but they have been there for awhile. The focal calcifications with the growth worry me. Is this nothing to worry about?

Answer 1

It's time to get yourself to a teaching hospital's head and neck service, as the earlier you are diagnosed, the better the outcome will be. Since your lymph nodes aren't normal, you have lateralized pain, you have calcifications, and the lesion is not equal bilaterally, the ENT service in a teaching hospital will be far more aggressive in finding out whats up, and in treating it, if necessary.

Answer 2

Go get a biopsy. Be absolutely persistent that you need a diagnosis. If you are not seeing an oncologist, find one for a second opinion. I have no idea what you are dealing with but it concerns me whenever a patient is brushed off by a physician. I have seen so many, many misdiagnosis as far as cancer is concerned. Regular doctors just do not recognize cancer, especially in young and healthy adults. By the time anyone gets around to finding out that it is cancer . . it's already advanced. Get a second and maybe a third opinion from an oncologist that hopefully specializes in Head and Neck cancers. Don't stop until you are satisfied with the answer. If you still can't get any answers go to a designated comprehensive cancer center and seek out a specialist in head and neck cancers.

NCI: Head and Neck Cancer
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/head-and-neck/

NCI: Comprehensive Cancer Centers
http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/cancer-centers-list.html

Good luck.

Answer 3

I was told by a Doc that the lump I had was nothing to worry about I saw three different docs and they all just followed the first one then they ultrasounded and mamod and they said it was benign but I knew something was wrong as I was always tired and lost alot of weight, finally my back Dr set me up for biopsy turned out I had Invasive high grade cancer now I'm in chemo with a big chunk out of my chest wall. If you don't feel right, tired, loss of appetite, weak, can't concentrate etc push until you find someone to biopsy your growth, you should know what they are never take a chance with your health look at what happened to me. If I could afford it I would sue and sue and sue. But right now I have to get healthy first Good luck