Thanks to all who replied to my part I inquiry. I still do not have any proof that what I am dealing with here is Cancer, but I want to be as cautious as possible. I appreciate the feedback I have received, and thank you in advance for any additional thoughts that I get.

Here's my recap and some additional questions: I am having a pain situation that is unresolved despite a decent workup. I have one sided pain which seems to be coming from the area behind and above (not in) the tonsil. This is dull, chronic pain of 2-3 months. This pain is exacerbated when opening the jaw widely or "flexing" the tonsil. This pain radiates to the jaw and neck and behind the ear (mastoid bone). All of these spots are fairly tender to the touch. I have seen an ENT had two scopes through the nose that showed nothing abnormal. Additionally, I have had a neck MRI and CT w/ contrast that showed nothing other than some shotty lymph nodes. These were all under 1 cm and appear to the radiologist(s) as pathologically insignificant and probably reactive adenopathy. There was no assymetry and no masses on either test. At this point, I am unsure what else to do. It is worth noting that I do have a history of muscle/neck pain that comes and goes.

So, my questions:

#1 My doc is referring me for a 2nd opinion, What can I expect? What should I ask?

#2 How likely is cancer considering no masses or assymetry is discovered on MRI and CT w/contrast? Have I ruled it out?

#3 any ideas on how tonsillar lymphoma presents? Is it different than squamous cell carcinoma in terms of symptoms? how does one rule it out?

#4 What else should I be considering in my differential diagnosis?

Thanks to the group

Have you been evaluated for a TMJ problem?

HI jerry, Thanks for the question.

I have in as much as they say my jaw is NOT misaligned.

Jittery,

I've learned on this site that it's not cancer until you medical professional says it is. Due dilligence says get a second opinion but from the sound of your posts you are "convinced" you have cancer and want affirmation. You've just had several scans that came back negative...will you accept the 2nd opinions opinion if it comes back negative?

The reason I ask this is that I've seen several people post on these forums that are paraniod that they have cancer and even when their scans comeback clean they continue to try and get affirmation for the contrary. This board does not diagnose...the medical professionals on here dont have your files in front of them.they can't give you a good diagnosis. The only advice anyone on here can tell you at this point is to do yourself a favor and go to the best medical professional you can get and hopefully they can get to the bottom of your pain.

I hope for the best for you, good luck.