Nasopharyngeal question

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motorcycleguy
motorcycleguy Member Posts: 478 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

So, I have a question for anyone who had NPC, or treatment that may have caused this concern.

I'm about 19 months out of treatment. 

My source of Cancer was my left Nasal Passage.

Approximately a year ago, I started noticing a regular (daily) discharge from that left side, of what looks like little sheets of translucent plastic. They are usually just yellow in color, but occasionally I see a bit of blood with them. They are approximately 1/2" x 1/4" and I blow them out on almost a daily basis, now.

My girlfriend thinks it's just part of the healing process, and old skin is probably peeling, and being replace by new skin. I do have an appointment with my Oncologist soon, and I will ask them if this is a normal condition.

I don't have any pain, just a feeling like my nose is plugged, and the thin "plastic" discharge I get.

Have any of you had experience with this?

Curt

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  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,275 Member
    #2
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    I Don't Recall

    Anyone mentioning something like this. How far are you post-treatment? Aren't you past the time period from treatment effects? Or this may be an after effect no matter the time frame. It will be interesting to hear what your Oncologist says about it. Hope it's nothing serious and something that is just going to pass eventually. Take Care-God Bless-Russ

  • Logan51
    Logan51 Member Posts: 464 Member
    edited April 2021 #3
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    Curt

       I am/was NPC 12 years ago, but w/unknown Primary. Have not experienced the exact symptoms you describe. I do have a nasal drip when looking down quite often. Thing is, I do have yellow spit that comes from nasal area. Being FT-dependent and am not to swallow anything, I have little plastic containers for my spittoons when out and about- which is how I know the nasal stuff I spit out is yellow. Never see blood, and what I spit are not units like you describe.

  • motorcycleguy
    motorcycleguy Member Posts: 478 Member
    edited April 2021 #4
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    Russ / Logan,

    I appreciare the responses. All of my tests to date, have been OK. I do have a PET Scan, next Monday - and at that point, I'm closing in on 2 years. I get the results on Friday the 17rh.

    I hadn't thought to be concerned about this, but I'd never heard it discussed. I remembered it this morning, because normally I get 1 or 2 yellow "plastic" bits - but this morning it was half a dozen with some blood.

    The Ear Nose Throat Specialist who removed the tumor from my neck and located the Nasal primary, told me everything looked fine up in my nose - just a couple months ago. Next week, I will be asking my Oncologist, to see if it's anything to worry about.

    In other news, I just got my 2nd (Moderna) Covid shot, last Wednesday. A year ago, my immune system was still in the building process - so I took Covid very seriously. Now, I'm back to socializing a little bit - which feels very good, after feeling isolated over the last year!

    I hope you're all doing well!

    Curt

  • fstetson
    fstetson Member Posts: 3
    edited April 2021 #5
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    Primary NPC

    I was diagnosed in 2009 with primary NPC and underwent chemo and radiation therapy.  It was a highly sucessful to kill the tumor.  I have not had any recurrences of NPC.  I did however have metastic tumors in my lung within my right lower lobe.  Wedge rissection did not captuere it all and had to have the lobe removed.  That was in 2013.  In 2015 I had a different and not associated wioth NPC cancer of the bladder.  I have recently posted a new situation in the Head and Neck forum section.  I am saying all this because I want you to remain vigilant and whatever symptoms you experience is important to relay to the doctors as you have done.  I think without ant hestation they want you too, because the earlier they find stuff the better the outcomes.  Stay strong and please keep us all advised your journey.  God bless!

  • motorcycleguy
    motorcycleguy Member Posts: 478 Member
    #6
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    Update:

    I've had a PET Scan, Oncologist visit and ENT appointment in the last 2 weeks - and ALL CLEAR!!

    (I'm very close to that 2 year mark, where recurrence is not likely!

    Also, my ENT Dr. told me the "plastic" discharges are a relatively common side effect of radiation. Mucous membranes get beat up, and nasal discharge builds up, instead of flowing.

    So - I'm feeling good today - and I hope you are too!!

    mg

  • CaptZ
    CaptZ Member Posts: 12
    #7
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    motorcycleguy said:

    Update:

    I've had a PET Scan, Oncologist visit and ENT appointment in the last 2 weeks - and ALL CLEAR!!

    (I'm very close to that 2 year mark, where recurrence is not likely!

    Also, my ENT Dr. told me the "plastic" discharges are a relatively common side effect of radiation. Mucous membranes get beat up, and nasal discharge builds up, instead of flowing.

    So - I'm feeling good today - and I hope you are too!!

    mg

    Awesome news and

    Awesome news and congratulations! Happy for you indeed!

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,275 Member
    edited April 2021 #8
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    Congrats MG

    There is nothing more exciting in this H & N cancer game than the all clear, NED (No  Evidence of Disease) from a PET Scan, your Oncologist and your ENT. And you found out what the nasal discharges were to boot. The discharges are something for my memory bank as I have never heard of it before being like plastic bits. And almost 2 years out what a blessing-Wishing You The Best-Take Care-God Bless-Russ

  • FOMC
    FOMC Member Posts: 25 Member
    #9
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    CONGRATS MG

    Always glad to hear that 3 letter word: N.E.D!!!!

  • big G
    big G Member Posts: 176 Member
    edited April 2021 #10
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    FOMC said:

    CONGRATS MG

    Always glad to hear that 3 letter word: N.E.D!!!!

    2 year mark!

    Congrats on your results MG. The 2 yr mark is a milestone that is great news! best of luck going forward.

  • motorcycleguy
    motorcycleguy Member Posts: 478 Member
    edited April 2021 #11
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    THANKS!!

    I appreciate all good wishes (and the reminder from fstetson to remain vigilant)!

    The NED always feels good ... especially this close to my 2 year mark.

    I hope all of you who read this are doing well!

    mg

  • Kimmy Poo
    Kimmy Poo Member Posts: 32 Member
    #12
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    motorcycleguy said:

    Update:

    I've had a PET Scan, Oncologist visit and ENT appointment in the last 2 weeks - and ALL CLEAR!!

    (I'm very close to that 2 year mark, where recurrence is not likely!

    Also, my ENT Dr. told me the "plastic" discharges are a relatively common side effect of radiation. Mucous membranes get beat up, and nasal discharge builds up, instead of flowing.

    So - I'm feeling good today - and I hope you are too!!

    mg

    Yay! Such wonderful news

    Worrying takes a gigantic toll. Having the worry lifted feel wonderful doesn't it?

    I am happy you got the vaccine; we are both fully vaccinated so it is quite freeing to be able to hug again!

    Give your girlfriend a hug and have her hug you right back!

  • ricksmithgolfer
    ricksmithgolfer Member Posts: 87 Member
    edited April 2021 #13
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    motorcycleguy said:

    Update:

    I've had a PET Scan, Oncologist visit and ENT appointment in the last 2 weeks - and ALL CLEAR!!

    (I'm very close to that 2 year mark, where recurrence is not likely!

    Also, my ENT Dr. told me the "plastic" discharges are a relatively common side effect of radiation. Mucous membranes get beat up, and nasal discharge builds up, instead of flowing.

    So - I'm feeling good today - and I hope you are too!!

    mg

    Congrats

    Fantastic news MG. I'm so happy for you. I remember when I got my first NED the joy and relief I felt and the news even brought a few tears to my eyes. Here is to many more great results in the years ahead. Take care and God Bless.

    Rick  Smile

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