Lump in throat sensation / right submandibular gland swelling in a 19yr old?
Comments
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Hi hkcoolhkcool said:Well, I saw the ENT at my
Well, I saw the ENT at my school today and mentioned the gland. He felt the area and said everything seemed fine. He mumbled a lot though and English wasn't his first language, so when I asked what it was all I got was a "it's fine."
I have a mild sore throat now and am feeling a bit down, but I'm pretty sure it's because i've been getting very little sleep as it's midterms week. There's also some sort of bug going around that all my friends seem to be getting. Still going to the ENT on Monday though as I've already scheduled the appt
@longtermsurvivor no offense taken and I agree. I've been trying pretty hard to just relax lately, and it'll probably be a bit easier now that exams are over and I can actually sleep
I think you are doing the right thing so just keep your appointment with the other ENT and get a really good check-up and then if he finds nothing you can at lease rest that you don’t have cancer. Sleep is very importance especially when in school, talk to your ENT and ask if he knows something you can do to help with sleeping better. You need good grades to pass my friend and sleep (REST) is a big part of that.
Take care
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Hkcool
My other symptom was problems swallowing. Then later on when the tumor was large, I had wicked ear pain and reduced neck and head mobility with pain. I was also losing weight.
Just keep your appointment with the ENT, and try not to guess or worry. See what the doctor has to say.0 -
SCOPE?sweetblood22 said:Hkcool
My other symptom was problems swallowing. Then later on when the tumor was large, I had wicked ear pain and reduced neck and head mobility with pain. I was also losing weight.
Just keep your appointment with the ENT, and try not to guess or worry. See what the doctor has to say.
It took 4 doctors and a scope to find my mass.
Maybe the next ENT can use a scope instead of palpation and a mirror.
Stacey0 -
Too Sweet....sweetblood22 said:HKCOOL
I'm totally not trying to scare you, I just want you to follow up and get it checked out, but that is sort of how my cancer journey got started, except on the left side. At first there was just one lump, probably a swollen lymph node, but then you could feel two. Probably lymph node and salivary gland. It didn't get rock hard until it got to about the size of a walnut. (it ended up the size of a large lemon by my surgery date happened. I had my left salivary gland and 23 lymph nodes removed) I was treated with two courses of antibiotics that didn't work. Then I had a fine needle biopsy, that showed SCC. So, if it doesn't go down, keep pushing. It could also be just a blocked salivary gland.
I agree with you on the lump not necessarily baing rock hard. Mine started in the left tonsil, eventually moving to lymphnode on that same side.
While only getting to the size of a large pea, and eventually dissolving away with chemo, it was never hard...
It was a lump, and you could definitely feel it.....but not hard.
Best,
John0 -
Well, I saw the ENT today.
Well, I saw the ENT today. He was very professional. This weekend was so stress free and I was learning how to manage anxiety really well. Then the doctor goes and orders an ultrasound + fine needle aspiration. I told him my symptoms and he checked my ears, nose, and throat, though not with the thread. He told me nothing in there looked wrong at all.
He then felt my neck and asked me a few questions. He said it's a submandibular lymph gland and that it's very common and I shouldn't worry. However, just to be definitive he said I should definitely get an ultrasound + FNA and come back in 5 days to discuss the results with him. Asked him if he thought it was cancerous and he said very unlikely
1. Does the FNA usually hurt? I'm not bad with needles normally, but I've only ever gotten them in my arm. There's one going in my neck now so I'm kind of freaked out.
2. Is it normal for an ENT to order an ultrasound + FNA or do they only do that when there is cause for concern? Just to be clear, it wasn't my neurotic self who asked for the tests. Before I even got a word out he had said I should get them.0 -
squamous cell carcinoma not possible at your age
500,000 cases annually out of 7billion people, HPV cause for those 30-50's, smoking cause for those 50s+. Those are slim odds as it is for you at 19y.
The conversion to SCC takes at the very least a decade and it is virtually improbable below the age of 20, not even sure if there is a case of SCC under 20 ever documented.
So I can give you that much my friend, at least from the standpoint it is not SCC, what most of us have fought/are fighting in this H&N subsection.
First, your symptoms have to last consistently, and I mean always, over 3 weeks in the absence of any infection. Then you're looking at FNAB, 18" flexible scope through your nose down your throat by an ENT, biopsy of any mass found, CT, MRI, PET... in my humble opinion, until you have been told YOU have cancer, enjoy life as a 19y old should who does not having to worry about malignancies.
And if there is something there, think positive, think benign (branchial cyst, tonsil stone, etc) until you are told otherwise. I am over 40, a neck mass is more probable of c, you are under 20, a upper aerodigestive mass is more probable NOT c. Let that at least be your peace of mind.
But please do keep us informed and I am wishing you well and the best.0 -
roger, re: squamous cell carcinoma not possible at your ageRogerRN43 said:squamous cell carcinoma not possible at your age
500,000 cases annually out of 7billion people, HPV cause for those 30-50's, smoking cause for those 50s+. Those are slim odds as it is for you at 19y.
The conversion to SCC takes at the very least a decade and it is virtually improbable below the age of 20, not even sure if there is a case of SCC under 20 ever documented.
So I can give you that much my friend, at least from the standpoint it is not SCC, what most of us have fought/are fighting in this H&N subsection.
First, your symptoms have to last consistently, and I mean always, over 3 weeks in the absence of any infection. Then you're looking at FNAB, 18" flexible scope through your nose down your throat by an ENT, biopsy of any mass found, CT, MRI, PET... in my humble opinion, until you have been told YOU have cancer, enjoy life as a 19y old should who does not having to worry about malignancies.
And if there is something there, think positive, think benign (branchial cyst, tonsil stone, etc) until you are told otherwise. I am over 40, a neck mass is more probable of c, you are under 20, a upper aerodigestive mass is more probable NOT c. Let that at least be your peace of mind.
But please do keep us informed and I am wishing you well and the best.
with all due respect, i know you are a health care professional, but you are wrong. you can be 19 and be diagnosed with scc. and i am not saying that i think the OP will be positive, i do not. i can tell you with certainty, that there are FA patients with SCC that have presented very early. like, 19 or 20. not probable, yes. not possible, not true. there have also been a couple of other kids here, very young, with other oral and head and neck cancers. sorry, i just hate it when people, especially health professionals rule out things completely, based soley on age. i have friends and family, that are no longer with us, because "they were too young to have ____________".0 -
Rare....RogerRN43 said:squamous cell carcinoma not possible at your age
500,000 cases annually out of 7billion people, HPV cause for those 30-50's, smoking cause for those 50s+. Those are slim odds as it is for you at 19y.
The conversion to SCC takes at the very least a decade and it is virtually improbable below the age of 20, not even sure if there is a case of SCC under 20 ever documented.
So I can give you that much my friend, at least from the standpoint it is not SCC, what most of us have fought/are fighting in this H&N subsection.
First, your symptoms have to last consistently, and I mean always, over 3 weeks in the absence of any infection. Then you're looking at FNAB, 18" flexible scope through your nose down your throat by an ENT, biopsy of any mass found, CT, MRI, PET... in my humble opinion, until you have been told YOU have cancer, enjoy life as a 19y old should who does not having to worry about malignancies.
And if there is something there, think positive, think benign (branchial cyst, tonsil stone, etc) until you are told otherwise. I am over 40, a neck mass is more probable of c, you are under 20, a upper aerodigestive mass is more probable NOT c. Let that at least be your peace of mind.
But please do keep us informed and I am wishing you well and the best.
But just Googling it, there are cases....
Squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus in a 15-year-old boy
Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in a 13-year-old boy
I've grown to know, that there always seems to be exceptions and that most things are not absolute.
JG0 -
No respect of personSkiffin16 said:Rare....
But just Googling it, there are cases....
Squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus in a 15-year-old boy
Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in a 13-year-old boy
I've grown to know, that there always seems to be exceptions and that most things are not absolute.
JG
Cancer just does not respect anyone at any age or any sex
╠╣ONDO0 -
Sorry guysRogerRN43 said:squamous cell carcinoma not possible at your age
500,000 cases annually out of 7billion people, HPV cause for those 30-50's, smoking cause for those 50s+. Those are slim odds as it is for you at 19y.
The conversion to SCC takes at the very least a decade and it is virtually improbable below the age of 20, not even sure if there is a case of SCC under 20 ever documented.
So I can give you that much my friend, at least from the standpoint it is not SCC, what most of us have fought/are fighting in this H&N subsection.
First, your symptoms have to last consistently, and I mean always, over 3 weeks in the absence of any infection. Then you're looking at FNAB, 18" flexible scope through your nose down your throat by an ENT, biopsy of any mass found, CT, MRI, PET... in my humble opinion, until you have been told YOU have cancer, enjoy life as a 19y old should who does not having to worry about malignancies.
And if there is something there, think positive, think benign (branchial cyst, tonsil stone, etc) until you are told otherwise. I am over 40, a neck mass is more probable of c, you are under 20, a upper aerodigestive mass is more probable NOT c. Let that at least be your peace of mind.
But please do keep us informed and I am wishing you well and the best.
I wanted to edit this morning but saw your replies.
You are right, I am wrong in the semantics "SCC not possible at your age", my humble apologies.
I also saw an old thread pop back up about Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma and the survivors there being diagnosed younger.
The possibility is very very slim but there. I hope the OP takes that to heart and worries less until he gets a definitive diagnosis.
I too dislike when I hear about physicians dismissing or delaying tests based on age, especially when it has caused a poor outcome.
So pursue those tests even it means going to other ENTs. Just try not to let the worrying consume your thoughts, especially as I hope for you, every test comes back negative.0 -
Is it possible at all for
Is it possible at all for acid reflux to cause lymph node swelling?
I've just gotten to thinking and I don't think this is so far-fetch'd:
-Two weeks ago I start to feel the lump in the throat.
-4-5 days later the lymph node starts to swell slightly
*I've been eating pretty unhealthy since studying abroad. The food is some of the unhealthiest I've ever seen, so I have no idea how everyone here is so skinny. I can have my choice of heart attack or stroke over rice at any of the cafeterias, or go up to the McDonald's conveniently located on campus if those aren't bad enough. Maybe my stomach couldn't take it anymore and the stress I'm under triggered it?
-Last week the supposed reflux was pretty "bad". I don't have heartburn or acid coming up the throat, but I notice that the lump in the throat correlates with greasy food and stress. Bad enough that I went out and bought pepcid and nexium for some relief. I tried them for a few days with varying results, but then tried to cut down on stress and greasy food. The last 3 days I had no lump in the throat as I wasn't very stressed.
-5 days ago I notice a sore throat starting to form. It's intermittent and comes and goes but not severe at all. Been sucking on throat drops occasionally.
-Tonight, I ate some pretty greasy food. Japanese curry (not spicy) with fried dumplings. About 30 mins afterward I notice the lump is back and the sore throat is back as well.
THis could be nothing, but I think it's worth mentioning to the ENT when I go back in a few days.0 -
Speckled Perch - CrappieIngrid K said:bait ?
John, is this the bait you use for the "real" fish ? hahaha.
LOL, no, but close in size.....
Those are speckled perch, crappie for you up north.
Winter is usuallu prime time to catch them down here in Florida.... I'm getting tin the mood since grouper closes 16Nov2011.
I need to start getting hiped up for the next target...specks in freshwater. Spotted Seatrout are fairly easy to target in the winter, but I'm not a big fan.
JG0 -
XactlyRogerRN43 said:Sorry guys
I wanted to edit this morning but saw your replies.
You are right, I am wrong in the semantics "SCC not possible at your age", my humble apologies.
I also saw an old thread pop back up about Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma and the survivors there being diagnosed younger.
The possibility is very very slim but there. I hope the OP takes that to heart and worries less until he gets a definitive diagnosis.
I too dislike when I hear about physicians dismissing or delaying tests based on age, especially when it has caused a poor outcome.
So pursue those tests even it means going to other ENTs. Just try not to let the worrying consume your thoughts, especially as I hope for you, every test comes back negative.
Roger, no apologies need or expected....
and you are definitely correct, be proactive, and look after yourself, nobody will do as good of job as you will... But also don't let it consume your life worrying about things that you can't change through worry.
Best,
John0 -
LOL...you're a hoothkcool said:Is it possible at all for
Is it possible at all for acid reflux to cause lymph node swelling?
I've just gotten to thinking and I don't think this is so far-fetch'd:
-Two weeks ago I start to feel the lump in the throat.
-4-5 days later the lymph node starts to swell slightly
*I've been eating pretty unhealthy since studying abroad. The food is some of the unhealthiest I've ever seen, so I have no idea how everyone here is so skinny. I can have my choice of heart attack or stroke over rice at any of the cafeterias, or go up to the McDonald's conveniently located on campus if those aren't bad enough. Maybe my stomach couldn't take it anymore and the stress I'm under triggered it?
-Last week the supposed reflux was pretty "bad". I don't have heartburn or acid coming up the throat, but I notice that the lump in the throat correlates with greasy food and stress. Bad enough that I went out and bought pepcid and nexium for some relief. I tried them for a few days with varying results, but then tried to cut down on stress and greasy food. The last 3 days I had no lump in the throat as I wasn't very stressed.
-5 days ago I notice a sore throat starting to form. It's intermittent and comes and goes but not severe at all. Been sucking on throat drops occasionally.
-Tonight, I ate some pretty greasy food. Japanese curry (not spicy) with fried dumplings. About 30 mins afterward I notice the lump is back and the sore throat is back as well.
THis could be nothing, but I think it's worth mentioning to the ENT when I go back in a few days.
Drink a few beers or go work out until you drop....
Stop worrying yourself over the millions of what ifs.
Deal with whatever results turn up in the above tests...
Mean time, act your age (as in young, and brighter outlook, you are invincible) and party a little, quit stressing yourself. You're gonna die an early age from hypertension and worry....
Don't take me wrong...just try to chill a little.
Best,
John0 -
JCSkiffin16 said:Train...
Tim, Is that your daily driver down to the bayou......
JG
Believe it or not this is an old 1882 steam engine train that was retired from the US and giving to Honduras by the United Fruit Company back in 1940. The train worked for the next 40 years or so hauling Bananas from the local farms to the port of Cortes. It then was used for a few more years until they finally retired it in 1990 is now a part of the central park Museum in La Ceiba
http://www.google.com/search?q=port+of+cortes+honduras&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=615&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=XiywTraMJ8eftgfl1ZGQAg&sqi=2&ved=0CE0QsAQ
http://www.google.com/search?q=port+of+cortes+honduras&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=615&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=XiywTraMJ8eftgfl1ZGQAg&sqi=2&ved=0CE0QsAQ#hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=honduras+la+ceiba&oq=Honduras+La&aq=0&aqi=g10&aql=1&gs_sm=c&gs_upl=140521l143614l0l148224l11l11l0l2l2l0l343l1750l0.2.4.1l7l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=de04f7cc8bf012cc&biw=1024&bih=615
Wish I knew how to do that magic you do with making it just one word, someday my friend i will
╠╣ONDO0 -
SpecksSkiffin16 said:Speckled Perch - Crappie
LOL, no, but close in size.....
Those are speckled perch, crappie for you up north.
Winter is usuallu prime time to catch them down here in Florida.... I'm getting tin the mood since grouper closes 16Nov2011.
I need to start getting hiped up for the next target...specks in freshwater. Spotted Seatrout are fairly easy to target in the winter, but I'm not a big fan.
JG
Some of the best tasting fish there is, I am so jealous I could just show-up on your door someday, you never know. lol
beep beep hellow John
╠╣ONDO0 -
RogerSkiffin16 said:Xactly
Roger, no apologies need or expected....
and you are definitely correct, be proactive, and look after yourself, nobody will do as good of job as you will... But also don't let it consume your life worrying about things that you can't change through worry.
Best,
John
No apologies, for sure.
It's just one if those things that trips my hot button, since i've lost very young loved ones to cancer. 0 -
Hkcool
You do need to relax a bit, I think. But now, I'm going to sound like your mom. You cannot tell me that there are no healthy food options for you to choose from?? Even at McDs, there are low fat and non fried options to choose from. I worked there and ate there twice a day for 7.5 years and maintained my weight. I ate egg mcmuffins, fruit and yogurt parfaits, grilled chickens, salads with no or very little dressing, their vanilla ice cream (which is reduced fat 2% milk) fruit and walnut salads, apple dippers, and occasionally double cheese burgers or filets of fish. Look for vegetarian or fresh fruit and vegetable options in the cafeterias. Think about cooking or making your own food. Diet is a big part of staying healthy, and acid reflux and heart burn, are not good for your esophogus in the long run.
I love Japanese curry. Lol. I still by blocks of S&B Golden Curry mix (mild tho, no hot stuff for me) Nom nom nom.0
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