I have stumbled across this forum researching on the web and I am really impressed with the support. The reason I was researching is that I have had a throat issue for several months that I thought was going to go away but never has.

I finally got an appointment with a ENT and he did a simple office exam but ordered an MRI. The results of that are a little mystery to me, the ENT said that it showed two enlarged lymph nodes and 'a thickening' on the back of the tongue which goes along with what I have been feeling but he did not say any more about it. He then wanted to schedule a scope with a biopsy if needed. I am not having pain, more like a feeling of pressure and can feel an obstruction when I swallow, more so when it's just saliva.

I don't have any soreness, swelling or lumps on the outside of my neck so I fell better about that but I could be wrong about diagnoses.

That is where I'm at, waiting for the scope next week and dreading every moment. Guess I've read to much and still don't know enough.

I smoked for 25 years but have been clean of that for over two years.

If someone could help me with a few questions:

Is it to early to assume that this is going to be cancer or could there be other possibilities?

Is radiation or chemo always used before surgery or the other way around?

How common is a total glossectomy for tongue cancer? Is it the last resort?

Thank you all for being here and the support.

Hi Blaze

Just to welcome you to the site and to say glad you found us. I'm afraid I don't have the knowledge to answer any of your questions but I wanted to say I know how dreadful this time of uncertainty is and to let you know I am thinking of you. Maybe others will have more information.

I hope that you get a good result next week, but whatever the outcome know that there are people here on this site ready to support and help you.

All best wishes
Gwyn

Hi Blaze, I can only echo what Gwyn has said. Also, try not to assume anything, it is very difficult not to but doesn't help much. I normally found that my assumptions were worse than reality.

Hi Blaze,
The only way you wouldbe able to get more advise then what the doctors give would be from this forum as each one here has been through various types of cancer and the questions you pose all have possibilities of happening and also of them not happening. The only way I think any of us can shed some light would be after your visit to the ENT. I fully endorse a biopsy as this will give you and the doctors a clear picture and once you have that - you could post the findings here and you will find the solutions.
Take care Blaze,
Warm regards,
Ananth

Hello Blaze

Brief answers to your questions:

• Is it to early to assume that this is going to be cancer or could there be other possibilities? Yes
• Is radiation or chemo always used before surgery or the other way around? No
• How common is a total glossectomy for tongue cancer? Not common
• Is it the last resort? Yes

Best wishes
Vinod
(awakened at 3.15 am in Jakarta by someone in San Francisco about someone getting mugged in Goa and then told it was an April Fool's joke )

Thanks for the quick responses, I have tried not to make poor assumptions but the more I read of the conditions and treatments I guess my reasoning falls by the way side.

Thanks Dr Joshi, your brief answers hit the point.

I am really inspired by all of the posts that I have read, they have really in enlightened me, I just never paid attention to this before.

Hi Blaze, Welcome, I know it must be so hard not to think of the worst. Stay strong. Think positive. The Doctor's are just amazing now what they can do.

Take care,

Jilly

Blaze, don't weigh yourself down sweetheart, it could be nothing. We all know the awfulness of waiting for appointments and results but glad you found us. Keep us posted.

Hi, Blaze!
I just wanted to take this opportunity to welcome you. My first exchange on this (or any other) site was just last week and I assure you you're in for a lot of support and caring. Know you're in all our thoughts and will be anxiously awaiting your news. Take care Diana J

Hi Blaze,
Just to say the same as everyone else. Good luck for next week and easy as it is for me to say, try not to dwell on it whilst waiting.
SusieR