I went to my oncologist today to discuss the results of my recent CT scan. All lymph nodes are clear but there is a question of some thickening of my neck (internally) that has them concerned. I've been referred to my oncology surgeon for an endoscopy but it will probably take a couple weeks to get that done. Does anyone have any idea what this "thickening" may indicate? My oncologist said it could just be the way I am healing from radiation (that ended in the middle of August of this year)? How concerned should I be? Thanks for any input.

Jerome,

I had a selective left neck in July (no radiation . . . yet) and noticed some thickening and a slight bb-sized lump near the incision line around mid-September. I had a fused CT/PET done and it came out clean, though it showed some "shotty" lymph nodes (as in buckshot). They're calling it operatively caused.

Hope that helps some.

Hi Jerome,

My Dads 2 month post treatment scans CT and MRI also show some thickening in different areas; and the 3 month post treatment scan says thickening at left side of base of tongue (where the primary was). RO said it's from radiation.

Keep me posted on your endoscopy.

Thanks.

Thanks Lisa. That makes me feel better. I meet with my oncology surgeon for the endoscopy on Thursday, October 26th. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Jerry

Jerry did you get any results yet?

Thanks

LisaB - I had my biopsy on Wednesday (11/8) and am waiting for the results. Based on what I've read on this site, however, I'm very concerned that the cancer has returned. One other person mentioned that their cancer had returned and the symptoms (raspy speech; constant sore throat) are the same as mine. I have an appointment with my oncology surgeon on Thursday (11/16), so I'll wait until then to panic.

Hi Jerome,

Thanks for the update.

Well it sounds like you have a good dr jumping on things for you. Did you ever have a PET? If not you should ask for one. What kind of biopsy did they do?


Try and stay positive!