I really appreciate the information and wisdom here. I'm glad this forum is available. Experienced answers and straight talk. Thank you.
I have recently experienced some symptoms that resemble base of tongue cancer.
3 months ago I began experiencing a strange feeling in my throat, like I needed to swallow something on the left side that wasn't there; no pain.
A week later I was was having intermittent earaches.
2 months ago I went to see my GP, and he couldn't find anything, so he referred me to my ENT
1 month later the ENT scoped my throat (through my nose) and sent me for a CT with contrast.
a week later the ENT called me back in and said we need to do a biopsy on some questionable tissue as the CT revealed irregular tissue and possible mass at base of tongue.
I couldn't get any more info from the ENT because he wants to do the biopsy first. Actually, he had really tried hard to minimize any fears.
Since that visit my throat has started hurting, my tongue burns, the back of my tongue is very sore, and both of my ears are hurting. No fever, chills, nausea, or redness in the ears.
In a couple days I will have the biopsy. Not sure what to expect, how much or what he will biopsy, or if he sees something that could be removed, I don't know if he will remove it???
So, again I appreciate this site, and I hope someone can comment on the symptoms, and looming biopsy.
Thanks in advance!

Usually base of tongue cancers are pretty good size when found. This means that the biopsy will be just that, a small sample removed, they won't try to do more. Cutting too much on the base of tongue can be dangerous as all the nerves that allow you to move your tongue and its blood supply are there. It's hard to be patient with the process, but on these cancers you have to be. Good luck.

Brian, Thanks for jumping so quickly. I will try to be patient.

IF this comes back positive, please check back with the board before you let any doctor decide your treatment plan. Too often patients go down a path that has serious long term quality of ice issues. Everyone that is here will be able to help you any next steps IF you have a positive biopsy. You don't get to make many decisions in a cancer journey, but the most important one that you have control over is where you get treated, and by what kind of TEAM. No individual doctor should decide your path for you.

Thanks for the advice. I would like to go to the best facility I can afford if the biopsy is positive. I will be back if that happens. Thanks!

Yes please let us know what the biopsy revels and of course good luck!

Jerry, welcome to OCF! You have been given advice from the very best person about base of tongue cancers. I hope that this is not the case with your situation. But if it does turn out to be cancerous, you have found OCF which will help you get thru everything.

Best wishes!

Christine, Thanks for the reply. I'm afraid I have been reading too much. My symptoms appear to be serious and include many of the warning signs. Not to put the cart before the horse so to speak...but I am concerned.
This is such a great place with a lot of knowledgeable people. Thanks everyone for sharing your experience.

Jerry, I was reminded by another member to have you ask about HPV when you have your biopsy. Because of the location of your suspected tumor its a very good possibility that HPV is the cause of this. That is of course if you have cancer. Im still hoping you dont.

Jerry you have connected with a great group that is experienced and will counsel you through this. I was recently diagnosed and in 2 weeks will start therapy. Keep the group involved.