Bit of background: Chaz's dentist noticed that Chaz's RHS (side of tonsil cancer) submandibular gland or a submandibular node was swollen or bigger than the other side well over 6 months ago. I remember posting here about being concerned at the beginning of April.

Consequently we pointed it out to the ENT consultant at a check up on April 8. He dissmissed it, in retrospect rather flippinantly. Chaz subsequently had 2other 2 monthly check ups during which his neck was examined by 2 other ENT people and 1 oncologist. We didnt mention the enlargment on these occasions as there was usually some other issue to be worried about :-).

Last Sunday we were at his dentists and she gave his neck a feel before he was about to have a massage and said although she didnt think it was anything to worry about the swelling may have got larger and it would be a good idea to have an ultra sound to establish an objective measurement.

I immediately felt concerned, particularly as I have been quite worried about some (daytime) sweating events Chaz has been having, and contacted our oncologist specialist nurse who agreed to come to Chaz's regular ENT outpatients appointment last Wednesday to support our request.

At that appointment - yet another nice ENT registrar felt Chaz;s neck. He said he didnt think it was anything to worry about but has arranged for a FNA and ultrasound in about 10 days time. That has got me really anxious as I have the feeling that they always say there is nothing to worry about as a matter of course. We were told that all the way through he diagnostic process last time and it bloody well was! Cant understand why he didnt have a look at the Feb scan anyway just to see whether there was likely to have been any change. BTW how risky are FNA's. They seem to be pretty inconclusive and surely they introduce the possibility of Excapspread or implanting cells in skin which would not be good news for someone who has already had radio?

The ENT expressed surprise that we were worried about the submandibular nodes as they do not drain the tonsil area. I cant understand that. Why would they bother with extensive neck dissections for tonsil cancer patients that include the submandibular region if it wasnt at risk of recurrence? (Chaz opted not to have a dissection) Presumably there is always the risk of second primaries in the submandibular or in areas that drain into the submandibular region anyway? Which incidentally he did not look for.

I just wondered whether it should be an ENT person looking at submandibular issues. Wouldnt it be more approriate for a maxiofacial prof?

I'm so cross that this wasnt explored back in April when we first raised concerns. Chaz has just started a masters and is the happiest and most excited I have seen him for ages. If this turns out to be something sinister it will break my heart.

Thanks for listening. I just needed to get it off my chest. Feeling very depressed, angry and anxious.

Cathy