I am a 38 yo male, smoked and chewed for a long time, quit tobacco 2 yrs ago but worried it was too late... I also drank heavily for most of my life. Quit just now, again worried I'm turning around my life too late. I am very sad and feel like a fraud. I have 2 young wonderful children, wife, and love them so much.

I've had sudden trouble swallowing and persistent sore throat for about 6 weeks. No fever or other issues, but the swallowing and sore throat is very strong and different than anything I've experienced before, and worsening.. Went to ENT, he recommended an MRI as next step, that I'm having this week. Are there any other immediate tests you would recommend, and should I expand my contacts to ucsf cancer center right away?

I'm surprised he didnt scope you that would give him an immediate idea if there is anything there - and MRI is great it should tell you what's up. If there is something there the next step is a biopsy. Best of luck. An I sincerely hope yu don't have to join our group.

Hi Cheryl - he did scope me with the nasal scope right there in the office. Said it looked fine, but mentioned some nasal polyps and gave me Flonase and nasal rinse.

But I'm sure there's more to it, I've never felt this bad for so long.. Some other things I've noticed: sore throat seems to be expanding up toward sore right ear/jaw area, and ive been extremely thirsty. I'm going to call and see if they can move up the MRI a few days.

Post nasal drip can cause throat irritation. I hope that there is nothing seriously wrong. The ENT would need to locate a tumor in order to do a biopsy. Keep looking for answers until you have a diagnosis. You may need a second opinion. Make sure you are being checked by an ENT who is experienced with treating oral cancer patients.

Good luck!!

Best wishes, Dre, that it's nothing serious. It wouldn't hurt to have the MRI pushed up a bit, but they will most likely want to use contrast material.

Is your current ENT a head and neck surgeon/oncologist? Does he/she work at a cancer center where they see thousands of cases per year? As Cheryl said, a second opinion is crucial as this is your life!

Please keep us updated as you are able. Keep coming back for support. Waiting is one of the hardest things that you have to do and it can do a number on our minds. We are here to help!

With care,
Kerri

Yes I have my MRI with contrast this morning, then meeting my ENT in the afternoon. Very worried but I will let you know what happens. My wife is coming into the afternoon Dx meeting which makes things scarier.

You are amazing on this forum.

Wondering how things went this afternoon. Course it's only 2pm!!! I'm glad you found us.
Don't beat yourself up for what you have done. Look ahead at what you are going to do!! We have all had pasts, some of us are less proud of ours, but...that's why it's called the past!
Blessings,
Kathy

Dre, thinking of you and sending the good vibes up the coast. Like everyone else here, I'll be anxious to hear how everything went.

Courage!

This afternoon my ENT says the MRI report was negative. They didn't see anything in particular. I was surprised, because my swallowing/sore throat pain has been so long and uncomfortable. Anyway he gave me a strong prilosec prescription to see if that would help. I'll give that a shot. If it persists, he said we could try a swallowing test next. I wonder if it persists if I should also see another ENT though I assume the MRI is definitive?

I feel relieved, but also confused and embarrassed - for my 20+yrs of smoking and dipping, for feeling so connected to the infinitely harder realities here on the forum, realities that I can't truly understand. I can't thank you enough for your thoughts on my behalf. - Dre

Glad the MRI showed nothing... They are generally reliable. But do push to find out what's going on if things don't improve. Hugs and hope you feel better soon.