Hello. I'm 18 and currently experiencing some symptoms of BOT cancer. These symptoms have persisted on and off for almost a year. I smoked for 3 years but quit about two weeks ago. When i swallow, I feel as though something in the right base of my tongue is present. It doesn't really hurt when I swallow but there are times when I'm just sitting around and I can feel this mystery growth stinging or pulsating.


In november of 2009 I visited an ENT. She checked me out and gave me an endoscopy as well. She said that I had some irritation right by my uvula and that it's cause is likely acid reflux. I told her I dont feel any acid in my stomach or other symptoms but she insisted that reflux can be silent and that frequent irritation from the acid is causing the sensation I have. She prescribed me medicine but I never took it. (I know, that was dumb!)

So I didn't really think anything more of it until recently. It's on and off, some days more noticeable than others. I have an appointment set up with a different ENT on may 4th at the ENT center in New York City. I figure that's the best place to go since none of the CCC's in NYC take my insurance. -___-

Anything I should ask for specifically? I definitely want another endoscopy and I might even ask for an MRI. If he seems to brush me off (especially due to my age) I will do what needs to be done to get him to listen and certainly go for a 3rd opinion then a 4th. If at the 4th opinion, with multiple scopes and scans done show nothing, then I will move on.

Not quite sure what I'm looking for here but I guess advice, support and your thoughts would be great!