I posted a few months ago about recurring symptoms with my ear and a small swollen lymph node. Since that time, unfortunately my symptoms have continued, and I have continued to be concerned. But, three months ago, I finally convinced a doctor to give me an MRI with contrast. He said there was nothing strange.

Fast forward to tonight. For the first time, my swollen lymph node, which all the doctors have dismissed as too small (though usually what I now see were lazy checks), is bigger, and much harder than I thought. I reached deeper -- it's right around under the area where my jaw bone starts to go up -- and I have found that it is rock hard, and bigger than one centimeter (all the doctors, even as recently as a week and a half ago, have said don't worry because it's under a centimeter).

Well, since this all started, I've gradually developed the ability to reach down my throat with my finger...since I've continued having symptoms, I continued checking. Now, just after midnight, I've discovered that the lump in my neck is basically a lump down the right side of my tongue. I know I have oncogenic HPV, so needless to say, it's going to be hard to sleep tonight. I'm terrified...two little girls, and the only income in the family. This is knocking me over...after so many doctor checks, and even the MRI...how is it possible.

I have to get back to a doctor ASAP to find out if what seems obvious is true. I'm despondent. I have occasionally visited here during this time, though, and at least I take comfort in knowing what a wonderful and supportive group of people are here.

Sadly, I live in Japan. I have no idea how this will all play out. I have to keep a sliver of hope...I'm officially undiagnosed. But this thing on the side of my tongue is not small.

I will add a signature line soon, and certainly update. Thank you all for maintaining this site. Without it, I would feel extremely lonely in this situation.

Welcome ntc. See an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, ENT, and ask about a FNAB, fine needle aspirational biopsy, of the palpable neck node with ultrasound guidance. which is non-invasive, accurate, and takes about 10 minutes, which can be done by some ENT's, pathologist. all mone were done byba pathologist. Usually from the small sample they look under the microscope, and tell if it's cancer, but they always send it out to confirm, and only a biopsy can confirm cancer. I see many trials, papers, and cancer technology from Japan, some introduced there before they are here, so you may be able to find someone or a top hospital there, if not, maybe you can come to the U.S. or go to Hong Kong.

Good luck.

Thank you, Paul. I've read so many bad things about the accuracy of FNAB, but I have to believe your experience. Thank you for the guidance.

It also depends on the experience of the pathologist, analyzing the sample, and using US to get a good sample. If not, they can do a direct biopsy, but a FNAB is preferred per NCCN guidelines, which does not interfere with any future surgeries like a direct biopsy can or run the risks associated with surgeries, but either can be done. I had 7, at three different cancer centers, two that are top, and all sent me for a FNAB, and were accurate.

Hi NTC,

When I read your words, I sense the fear you have. There are a few other things that stand out to me.

You've had several doctor's checks and an MRI that came back negative. You've obviously been poking around in the area of concern as you've developed the ability to reach down your throat! This is an ability I'm pleased to say I don't have! Poking a prodding an area like that certainly can aggravate things regardless of an issue.

You obviously have worked yourself up into believing you have cancer and you've not been diagnosed. I suggest you stop sticking your finger down your throat, take a deep breath and calm down. It's not cancer until they say it's cancer!

I truly understand your fear as mine came true BUT you've not been diagnosed and all the doctors thus far feel there's nothing to worry about. That's pretty positive in my opinion! Make an appointment with your doctor and express your concerns. The only way to truly diagnose OC is through a biopsy. However, if there's nothing to biopsy then sooner or later after getting the all clear from medical professionals, you're going to have to find a way to trust what they're saying.

Good Luck, positive thoughts and prayers.

"T"

I am finally going for a FNA biopsy tomorrow of the lymph node in my neck. Everything seems to be moving in slow-motion. After tomorrow, I have to wait until Oct. 30th for results. It has been 8 months since I had all of the symptoms, including this swollen node. So many doctors have said "it's only 1cm, so it's not important". It makes me want to scream now that I finally realize that is meaningless, and none of them suggested getting a biopsy on it. Of course, I blame myself the most...I just kept assuming the doctors knew best.

I guess there are no particular suggestions you might have about the FNA or questions I should ask, but if you have any, please let me know.

I'm fully convinced that it is cancerous. I have high risk HPV, and the lymph node is so hard and seems to be attached to one side deep on my tongue. The only thing is, no doctor has been able to see problems when scoping my throat...I cannot understand it. I'm concerned there is no primary.

It's really hard being in Japan, but I don't think my insurance here would cover me in the US, otherwise I would be at Johns Hopkins in a minute, since it is near where I live.

Anyway, I know this forum is really for supporting people with confirmed diagnoses, and I am not quite there yet. But I will lean on your advice a lot if I am.

Thanks for listening.

Good luck. Ask for the sample to be tested for HPV.

What do you mean "I have a high risk HPV" ?

I panicked too. They told me to hang on that things would move fast. Right after that was a two week wait. In hindsight I should not have worried about the. "What ifs". There are a trillion of them. Concentrate on what you know for sure.

I only have one tongue. My doc was taking care of about a dozen tongues. It doesn't hurt to stay on top of things but there is a natural speed and rhythm to the process. Do things you enjoy. Pack on some pounds if you can.

In my case it was sad that it took cancer to remind me to "Do things I enjoy"...