lump in throat and getting bigger

[chatterboxsometimes]

My DS has a lump in her throat, it's been there for at least 8 weeks, seen the doctor 3 times, and each time she visits they tell her to leave it for a couple of weeks to see if it goes away. The lump is getting bigger although not obstructing her airways or eating, DS spoke to GP again today who was suppose to have referred DS to a specialist but instead GP told DS to come and see her again tomorrow, why she was meant to refer DS by now. I fear that my DS will be fobbed off a 4th time with another excuse from her GP.
Just because a GP cannot actually feel the lump from touching the neck/throat area does not mean there is no lump, surely if you have a lump growing in your throat it should be investigated, it could be malignant, I cannot understand why my DS's doctor is not taking this problem more seriously, I am very worried as I think it could be the HPV virus in DS throat, the GP dismissed this according to DS. Any advice on what my DS should ask her GP tomorrow, as the lump is getting bigger.

[Imnotaslimjim]

Is there another dr at the surgery she can see? Most surgeries have at least 2. No dr worth his salt will have a problem with her seeking a 2nd opinion

If there isn't, she should voice her concerns. Tell the dr that she is getting a scared at the rate the lump is growing. Any sort of lump is unnerving and its hard not to fear the worst, especially when they develop quickly.

Could it be a goitre? They come up pretty quickly, but do cause other symptoms too

[KilledBill]

How old is she and why would you think it is HPV?

[zaarlinda]

I had a lump in my throat for several weeks, just as you describe. I was beside myself with worry. 1st doctor mis-diagnosed it as a virus, which I knew it wasn't so I returned to get a 2nd opinion which diagnosed it as Globus Pharangeus (not sure it the spelling is correct). It's a harmless stress-related condition which goes in its own time. It is however apparently usually women in their 30s and 40s who get this so I don't know if this is at all helpful but it was interesting that the first GP didn't even mention this condition so maybe it's not widely known.

[loopylou6]

So theres no lump to be seen or physically felt? Only felt when swallowing? If so I completely agree with zaar, Ive had this too.

[alypaly]

www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Globus-Hystericus.htm hth. ive had it ages ago. it seems to last forever and then it just goes away when you least expect it to. it is stress related im sure

[chatterboxsometimes]

Thanks for all of your replies, DS has now been referred to ENT so I presume they will look down her throat, hopefully it is stress related, one GP did say she could feel the lump the other GP could not. Anyway hoping it is not serious, but I do worry it could be HPV as I have read that having more than 6 oral sex partners puts you at high risk of throat cancer.

[KilledBill]

But why would you think that?

Just so you are aware - the highest risk factors for both mouth and throat cancer are smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking and drinking together trebles the risk. Mouth and throat cancer also tend to run in families and have a genetic risk factor.

HPV does not directly cause all cancer - whether that be throat, cervix or otherwise. And of the cancers they believe may be caused by HPV (throat) the majority are men.