should the doctor really have said this? really?!?

[fuzzpig]

My DSS (20) has been really unwell lately, lots of chesty coughs and bad throats and now vomiting too. He's been prone to that sort of thing his whole life, sinus problems etc, but it has been a lot more intense lately.

So, he saw the doctor and she has referred him for one of those camera-down-the-throat things. Fair enough. Worried obviously :( as they've not done anything like that for him before.

What really made me and DH though was that the doctor (regular GP) said "oh there's a few things it could be, it could be throat cancer"

Errrrm, WTF? Why would a doctor say that? When there are plenty of other possibilities? Is it me or is that a touch unprofessional... and very abrupt. Or am I being really oversensitive here? I just didn't think it was the done thing to throw words like that around so prematurely.

DSS is a sensitive lad and although quite sensible he was surprised and upset. He's not good with anaesthetic either so he's really nervous about the procedure.

It was a stupid thing for her to say. No wonder you're both a bit upset.

I've had that throat camera thing. I think you have a general anaesthetic. I remember trying to pull it out and then suddenly woke up in recovery ward.

Afterwards it can give you really bad pains in your shoulders (which is wind apparently - don't know how it gets there!) Don't know if anti-wind meds would help or if they only break it down in the stomach.

that's useful info thank you.

just can't work out why they would say something like that, was wondering if I was missing something. could almost understand it if he smoked as that would presumably vastly increase his risk, but he's never smoked.

Well you would usually get that only after a tests and a diagnosis, unless you were pressing him for examples of what it could be.

I would not worry about it, wait till you get the results. Don't google because everything is cancer when you go to see Dr Google.

I would be more worried about TB, is he a smoker?

BTW I have no medical qualifications, but I do know they have a protocol for breaking bad news, not flippant like that. Anyway there is no news to break.

No, they weren't pressing the GP for info, she just came out with it!

His mother (whom he lives with) does smoke a lot and I know they are really on at her to stop as she has COPD, it did briefly cross my mind that they were referring to that (it's the regular family GP) but I don't think any doctor would be that unprofessional.

but no, he's never smoked, he hates it.

hadn't even thought of TB, he has had BCG injection which is what prevents it I thought?

Anyway you are right of course, there's no need to actually worry more because she said it. Words don't actually make something more likely. I don't think he is the type to consult dr google either.

It could be allergies or anything. Has he tried cutting out dairy products, a major trigger for coughs and sinus problems.

It depends how he said it? If I remember correctly throat cancer is highly unlikely in a 20 year old. Typically occurs in older people, heavy smokers and heavy drinkers. If that is correct then I find it odd he'd say it could be throat cancer. Because its so much more likely to be something else.

I think he needs to work on his 'bedside manner'.

I'm a doctor and think that throat cancer would be extremely unlikely and would never have said that to a patient of your DSS' age. . Even if it was an older person I would probably not mention the diagnosis unless I was highly suspicious. Also a camera test looks for stomach/oesophagus problems so seems odd to have referred for that with his symptoms.

The GP might have said it because he was assuming that DSS was worrying about cancer anyway, so he thought it better to bring it out into the open and to give DSS a chance to ask questions and be reassured. But it sounds as if he misjudged the situation, at best. I hope your DSS is ok.

A chesty cough with vomiting, had you thought about Whopping Cough? There is a chance you can catch it even if vaccinated.

I had a camera down my throat and just had a numbing spray so was fully awake & dh stayed with me and watched. The consultant spoke to me throughout and straight away afterwards too with results.
I would say it was uncomfortable but interesting too!
I advise others to stay awake if they can, then you can talk to dr straight away and go home immediately.
Btw I've had children naturally and 2 c-sections, I think c-section is best way, so I haven't exactly got a fantastic pain threashold!

Forgot to add, hope he is ok.

I don't think he would have even considered cancer as an option hence it coming as such a surprise. I assumed that as he's had so many problems around that area of chest/nose/throat etc that it was just the next step in getting to the root of the problem. TBF my friend's ex died at 17 of throat cancer (needless to say I will not be mentioning that to DSS!) but he was a heavy smoker/drinker/drug user. DSS does drink but no more than your average 20yo lad.

It is nice to know that it wasn't the right thing to say. 'bedside manner' indeed.