Tonsil cancer

[mumsnetter123]

Hi I recently had my large tonsil checked again at the doctors and they've said because it's giving me anxiety they are sending me to get it checked at ENT it's been large for years, I'm terrified they might say take it out but I really don't want that! Is there any other way of checking for cancer without taking them out , I really don't want to be put to sleep to be honest? Thankyou

I’m sorry you’re experiencing health anxiety and are worried. There is no clear cut way of checking for cancers other than a biopsy which involves removing and sending off for laboratory testing.

That being said, at this stage you don’t know whether they will be looking for cancer. You are just being seen by a specialist to see what the next steps are. I wouldn’t jump straight to cancer. Hope everything goes well for you

Hi thankyou for replying, when the doctor referred me she sent me a text message, saying referring you to check it's nothing more serious (like cancer) so it freaked me out and this doctor is fully aware I have anxiety too, hopefully it's all ok, thankyou

They will do a nasendoscopy to look at it and possibly a screening MRI. The nasendoscopy will give the answer, it's unpleasant but take your earphones and listen to something to distract you. 90% are nothing. Your GP sounds on it which is great.

Unfortunately to get you seen quickly GP’s have to put in suspected cancer, otherwise you will have to wait a very long time to be seen. My cousin waited 6 months for an appointment with Consultant who agreed that she can have her tonsils out and she’s now waited 18 months and still no sign of a date for this.

Went for the cancer check today and it was all clear! Thank god! Thankyou for all replying it was just a large/scared tonsil from when I used to get tonsillitis a lot, such a relief

If there is something wrong with the tonsils to the point it's better to have them removed, then they'll recommend that and you should go along with it. I am sorry you're feeling scared, but it's much better to get rid of something that's causing you pain and anxiety.
If cancer hasn't been mentioned or suggested I wouldn't assume the worst. But if they do give you an anesthetic you won't feel or remember anything at all.
I hope you can trust the doctors to help you get better physically.
Counselling or psychotherapy could help with the anxiety side I hope?

Glad all went well 😊

Thankyou xxx

And yes I'm doing CBT at the moment, the nurse at the ENT clinic said to me today "you made it through the door and some people who are anxious don't even do that" but Went really well and was all clear :)

Thankyou for all reply's

Try gargling with vitamin c as that helps with the swelling.