| Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | OP "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 | This morning I had a bit of an earache on the right side, but didn't think too much of it. Tonight, there is an egg sized swelling in front of/below my right ear - going down my jaw and to the top of my neck.
I did not notice this before, but to be truthful I have no idea when it appeared. I am past the point of detailed checks of mouth and neck every day - or I thought I was. WHAT is going on? I do not have a cold, sniffles or any virus, and have had my flu shot.
I had some minor surgery on my right wrist on Tuesday, but I do not see how this could be related to this lump. The lump/bulge feels firm. I have been taking T3's for pain in my wrist, but Lord knows I have taken many of those and have never had a reaction.,
How worried should I be? Any thoughts? Cancel the first question - I'm already worried - just trying to decide whether to flat out panic or not. I wish these things got easier. Truth is for me, as much as I like to say I am more accepting of whatever happens, I remain a frightened marshmallow.
Donna
Last edited by Pandora99; 12-06-2012 09:02 PM.
Donna,69, SCC L Tongue T2N1MO Stg IV 4/04 w/partial gloss;32 radtx; T2N2M0 Stg IV; R tongue-2nd partial gloss w/graft 10/07; 30 radtx/2 cispl 2/08. 3rd Oral Cancer surgery 1/22 - Stage 1. 2022 surgery eliminated swallowing and bottom left jaw. Now a “Tubie for Life”.no food envy - Thank God! Surviving isn't easy!!!! .Proudly Canadian - YES, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS WONDERFUL! (Not perfect but definitely WONDERFUL)
| | | | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 756 Likes: 1 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 756 Likes: 1 | Donna,
I have no idea what it could be - maybe some kind of infection? Are you running a fever? If it was me, I would give my doctor a call first thing in the morning. Let us know!
Susan
SCC R-Lateral tongue, T1N0M0 Age 47 at Dx, non-smoker, casual drinker, HPV- Surgery: June 2005 RT: Feb-Apr 2006 HBOT: 45 in 2008; 30 in 2013; 30 in 2022 -> Total 105! Recurrence/Surgeries: Jan & Apr 2010 Biopsy 2/2011: Moderate dysplasia Surgery 4/2011: Mild dysplasia Dental issues: 2013-2022 (ORN)
| | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,024 "OCF Kiwi Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | "OCF Kiwi Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,024 | Oh Donna, it never gets easier does it. I get into an emotional spin whenever something odd happens health wise with Kris. All I can suggest is what you already know, go and get it checked out by your doc. The lump seems to have come up awfully quickly to be a cancerous node. Together with the ear pain it's probably an infective reaction. Get it checked. Thinking of you, Tammy
Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT. PET 6/11 clear. R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in. March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Im so sorry you are worried and have something wrong, Donna! I agree with the above, this came out of nowhere and sounds awfully large to be cancer so its probably a sign of infection. I would still call the doc and see if you can get in there today or early next week. I know how you worry and wont relax until you get checked. I dont think it sounds serious but be safe and get checked.
Good luck!!! ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | | | Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 126 Senior Member (100+ posts) | Senior Member (100+ posts) Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 126 | Is it painful? A few weeks ago I had a large painful lump pop up right below my jaw line, which also caused me to panic. However, it went down after I rubbed it for a while. It turned out to be a stone in my salivary duct, and the buildup of the saliva caused my salivary gland to swell. Maybe there is a chance that's what this could be?
Emily - 24 years old at diagnosis HPV-, no risk factors T2N2b Squamous Cell Carcinoma Left oral tongue, poorly differentiated Hemiglossectamy, reconstruction, partial neck dissection 30 Radiation treatments, weekly chemo (cisplatin) 1/13/12 last day of treatment Diagnosed October 2011
| | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | OP "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 | No, the lump is not painful. Whenever I get swellings in my neck I get "prickly" skin stretching sensations and that, & the bit of ear pain alerted me. I have now e mailed my oncologist surgeon's nurse this morning and I see my GP on Weds so we'll see what happens. Words cannot describe how frustrated I feel at not knowing WHEN it is appropriate to contact a professional and when I should just back off and relax. My doctors are awesome and I don't want to waste their valuable time, and at the same time I don't want to ignore something that should be addressed.
Thanks for answers. More opinions/experiences welcome.
Donna
Last edited by Pandora99; 12-07-2012 08:43 AM.
Donna,69, SCC L Tongue T2N1MO Stg IV 4/04 w/partial gloss;32 radtx; T2N2M0 Stg IV; R tongue-2nd partial gloss w/graft 10/07; 30 radtx/2 cispl 2/08. 3rd Oral Cancer surgery 1/22 - Stage 1. 2022 surgery eliminated swallowing and bottom left jaw. Now a “Tubie for Life”.no food envy - Thank God! Surviving isn't easy!!!! .Proudly Canadian - YES, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS WONDERFUL! (Not perfect but definitely WONDERFUL)
| | | | Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 3,267 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 3,267 Likes: 1 | You're not wasting the doctors time. If you can't see your doctor or clinic now, maybe go to the ER. I don't know if its getting better or worse, but you don't want your breathing or swallowing effected, and suggest to see medical care. It could be anything, nothing major, even a reaction to the T3, the anesthesia if you had it, or late occurring effect from treatment, lymphdemia or something else.
10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil 11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp 01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks 06/11 30 HBO 08/11 RND PNI 06/12 SND PNI LVI 08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy 10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux 10/13 SND 10/13 TBO/Angiograph 10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI 12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo 11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO 03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN 09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy 04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site 06/17 Heart Attack Stent 02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs
| | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 404 Likes: 2 "OCF Down Under" Platinum Member (300+ posts) | "OCF Down Under" Platinum Member (300+ posts) Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 404 Likes: 2 | It could be an ear infection. One morning during Christmas time last year I woke with a slight ear ache, next thing my cheek and eye on the same side was swollen with a large red patch. The swelling spread.
A couple of months back it happened again but swelling appeared below and around my ear that time. I was concerned it could spread and create havoc with my throat and airways. Both times my Doctor prescribed Sofradex ear drops. Swelling and ear ache was gone within a couple of days.
Karen
Last edited by Karen Rose; 12-07-2012 05:08 PM. Reason: typo.
46 yrs: Apr 07-SCC 80% entire tongue removed,T4N1M0 Neck/D,Jaw Split, Trache 2 ops,PEG 3.5yrs 30 x rad,6 x Cisplatin, 30 x HBO Apr'08- flap Recon + ORN Mandibulectomy (hip bone to reconstruct jaw) Oct'08 1 Plate out-jaw Mar'09 Debulk flap Sep'09/Jan&Nov'10/Feb&Jun'11/Jan&Jul'12/Oct'13/April'14-More surgery
| | | | Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 60 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | Supporting Member (50+ posts) Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 60 | I agree that your doctors don't mind being bothered when you are worried. I tend to panic now with every lump. It could be a tooth infection to. If the swelling moves up I would go to the ER right away. I hope it is something that's a quick fix with antibiotics. Good wishes and all the comments lately from everyone here have helped me stay a bit focused at the moment.
10/10 IV OSCC metastatic to lymph nodes. 10/10 Peg,Port,Trech. due to rad scarring cannot swallow. 9/12 Pet clean. SCC back again 11/12. Tumor attached to jugular, Rad DX left side of neck 11/19/12. No Chemo or Rads. MRI on 1/11/13 for chronic pain w/pet scan 2/15/13.
| | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 | Hi - sorry you have to go through this. It definitely sounds like an infection, and maybe because youve been rewired (as in - missing some nodes) theres a build up of fluid there. Hope it's nothing - but glad you're having it checked. Hugs!
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
| | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | OP "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 | I try NOT to use the internet to look up medical issues (scary place to go) but I did venture there and my symptoms are consistent with a partoid gland infection or blockage. I am taking so many T3's for the surgery I had on my wrist on Tuesday, that I'm not sure whether this swelling hurts or not. I am wondering if there was something they did (wierd freezing technique on my right arm to do the surgery) thathas caused this.
So now I am trying to decide whether to drop in at urgent care or wait until next weds when I see my GP.
I am looking forward to 2013 being the most "medically drama free" year that Ihave had since 2002. Well I can dream anyway!!
Thanks for replying all.
Donna
Last edited by Pandora99; 12-07-2012 10:53 PM.
Donna,69, SCC L Tongue T2N1MO Stg IV 4/04 w/partial gloss;32 radtx; T2N2M0 Stg IV; R tongue-2nd partial gloss w/graft 10/07; 30 radtx/2 cispl 2/08. 3rd Oral Cancer surgery 1/22 - Stage 1. 2022 surgery eliminated swallowing and bottom left jaw. Now a “Tubie for Life”.no food envy - Thank God! Surviving isn't easy!!!! .Proudly Canadian - YES, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS WONDERFUL! (Not perfect but definitely WONDERFUL)
| | | | Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 805 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 805 | I actually had that happen twice years ago. It was blockage. One thing you can do is eat lemon drops and massage forward to try to get the stone, if it is one, to pass. It is super painful. I never got anything to pass. They had to dilate the salivary opening each time and then I was on antibiotics. I wouldn't wait too long to get it checked. The infection will back up. I know mine did the first time. The second time I knew what it was!! Good luck! Kathy
Kathy wife/caregiver to: Kevin age:53 Dx 7/15/11 HPV16+ SCC Stage IV BOT/R Non smoker, casual drinker 7/27/11 Cistplatin, taxotere,5FU 2/3week sessions, followed by IMRT 125cgy x 60 (2x daily) w/Erbitux weekly. Last rad 10/26/11. Last Erbitux 10/27/11 PEG placed 9/1/11 Removed 11/8/11 Clear PET 10/12 and 10/13 and ct in 6/14 | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 56 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | Supporting Member (50+ posts) Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 56 | With very few exceptions, the usual cause of a sudden swelling in a localized area is a blockage of fluid drainage (as in the case of the person who had a stone blocking a salivary duct, or due to a leakage of lymph fluid or blood into the area), or an infection. Usually it is an infection. These are often, but not always, so or painful, esp. when touched.
Depending on what is causing the infection and what sensitive structures it may or may not be near, it could be serious, and could become more serious very quickly. Therefore it is worth a trip to the doctor's office or clinic, soon, to be safe. I do not recommend waiting this one out or treating it yourself until it has been properly diagnosed. Good luck!
Ed H, NE Ohio SCC BOT with lymph node involvement, HPV+, diagnosed 7/12 Radiation and Cisplatin
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