Lump on Front of Throat

I would get the biopsy. If they can't definitively tell you what it is, then its an abnormal growth. You might not see a change in size for a year if it grows slowly. And if it worries you, you should find out if you need to get it removed or not. Ultrasounds are not infallible. At least if you have the biopsy, then if it can stay because its doing no harm, then you can make that decision.

Better to know now and be able to choose, then to be forced to do something later because its too late.

I hate it when there's something wrong physically, and the doctors don't have a clear idea of what it might be, and you're wondering of you're crazy or too cautious.

I believe that I would demand a biopsy.

I would definitely get a second opinion. Just recently my husband has been going through a ton of health issues. They said his heart was normal, but they were going to give him a pacemaker anyway. I didn't like the diagnosis or the thought of that, so I went and got a second opinion and they don't think it has anything to do with his heart and that he doesn't need a pacemaker. Good Luck.

D.,
My advice: Do the biospy!
Sometimes our biggest fears turn out to be nothing.
As long as you are in mystery all you have is your fears.
The not knowing is affecting your health so get rid of the the mystery. Wishing you a wonderful week.
With my whole heart, C.

If it were me, I would want the biopsy just to put my mind at rest. If it's nothing, then you have peace of mind. If it is, then you can take care of it before it becomes worse. As someone who has had several U/S on my thyroid/neck area, I can tell you that they CAN see quite a bit from the U/S. Also, 90% of thyroid cancer (if it is this) is CURABLE.

Either way, my prayers are with you. I know how stressful this situation can be! Best of luck to you.

Chrissy

My husband presented with several large lumps in his neck last year. After an ultrasound, a needle biopsy, and many appointments they opted to open it up and see what was there, and try to get a better biopsy. The ended up removing a complete lymph, and come to discover: NOTHING! They couldn't tell us what it was, why they were there (there are still several) or what to do about them.

So, my recommendation, if they don't believe it is cancer (they would be on it if they did, the doctors would be at a great risk if they didn't address potential cancer, so my feeling is that it probably isn't) is to do some type of alternative health care. I am a big supporter of naturopathic health care. Naturopaths that are Baster educated are excellent physicians, and Baster is the college that is accredited by the European Naturopathic University (I don't go to anyone who isn't trained by Baster in Washington) and are knowledgeable, have many skills and are smart about dealing with health issues that other conventional physicians don't know what to do for. Western medicine is great, but eastern medicine has it's place as well.

Best of luck, and remember, worry doesn't do you any good, so take a break from worry. Get a massage, do some yoga, take care of yourself, and explore your options.

My thoughts are with you in this process.

I hate to do this BUT...........I feel you need to hear someone elses story that is like yours. June 07 my lymph nodes in my neck started to swell. Went to my doctor they did blood work including thyroid levels. They said everything came back fine. Went on about my body fighting a flu. After several months, tests, and having doctors telling me it was all in my mind they found 2 tumors on my thyroid. The biopsy came back unclear so they did surgery. I had thyroid cancer that had spread to my lymph nodes. Never let a doctor make you feel that you should just wait for it to go away!!! If it has grown I would say that you insist on surgery which is what my ENT said they should ALWAYS do with growth. The sooner they catch it the better off you are. Mabye yours is nothing but if you are worried about it stand up and MAKE them do what you know is right. Good luck and blessings!

I would get it checked out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just for peace of mind!

Our cousin had a lump on her throat. Turned out to be lymphoma (spelling??)She is only in her early 30's. BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY!!!!!!!!

Good Luck!

Personally..I would rather be safe than sorry. I would demand biopsy. Sometimes I think doctors would treat us differently if it was one of their loved ones or themselves. If they won't do it...find a doctor that will listen to your concerns and will send you for the procedure.

Also..I don't want to scare you...but a friend of mine had a lump on her thyroid...they wanted to test it but were like 99% sure it wasn't cancer...guess what..it was! Thank goodness they caught it when they did...she had it removed and everything is just fine now. Just get it check out..that way you can be sure.

Hope that advice helps you. :)

J.

What is wrong then? I would look for a Dr. that will give you answers not just blow you off. Too many Dr. don't really know and don't give you the answer either. Do they care about you or not? Can your husband afford to have you an able to care for your 5 children?
C. B

YOu klnow your body better than any doctor could. If you are having issues do your best to find out what it is. Uusually, ringing in the ears indicates a calcium deficiency. What is your diet like now, how long has it been since you quit smoking, etc... All of these things are important questions that need answers. Doctors are not quick to suggest diet or nutrition. They are trained to find a drug that will "cure" I would suggest finding a naturopathic physician to help you. They are trained in all aspects of nutrition, medicine and herbs. ALso see if you can find someone who does reflexology. I know this works! Way to go for listening to your body.

Hi,
You have to an advocate for your own health! If you feel anxious about it go get a second opinion. Several times I've had some major health issues that one doctor has missed and another probably saved my life. I'm a melanoma survivor and I know how it feels to constantly be worrying about my health. It's not worth causing you so much stress. I am a very strong believer that most people know when something isn't right with their own body. Trust your instincts! Merry Christmas!

Demand a biopsy!
Doctors aren't perfect and you have to trust your gut!
If it comes back fine, so be it, but at least you will know.
We should never take one opinion- always get a second. And like with you when they differ, get a third.
This is your life to live and die by... we can't just give all those decisions to doctors just because they have that degree! They are human and make mistakes.
Good luck!

Go to a second doctor! Demand them to look! Trust your instincts! Better safe than to worry about yourself sick. Good Luck

I too would demand he biopsy just to make sure. I would also probably seek a second opinion. Most insurers will cover this and it would be good to have someone else examine you to see what they think.

As someone with TMJ, there are multiple signs, clicking when you chew, your jaw locking up or feeling very tight in the morning, jaw pain when you open or close your mouth, dental issues due to grinding and so forth. Ringing can be a sign but not necessarily. If you have a growth that is putting pressure in your throat, it will cause pressure in your ears too as they are connected. I am thinking it isn't just TMJ. TMJ can be treated with a nightguard and supplements and may result in jaw surgery. It is due to a wearing down of the cartlidge in your jawline.

You have every right to not wait for someone else to figure it out and ask for a biopsy!! DEMAND IT. It is always better to be safe then not. It isn't up to the medical community sometimes and you should demand they do further invasive testing. And never accept "I don't know as an answer from any medical professional"...

Is this internal or external. You a ton of lymph glands throughout your body. They are made to help you take away infection and retain it until your body can get rid of the virus or infection. However you shouldn't have to bounce around to different "experts". I would say the ENT is the best equipped to know that if there is concern and his advice was to go get a biopsy!

The chiropractor, sorry to offend all those advocates, but they are not true medical physicians! They are in no way qualified to diagnose or rule out cancer or anything of that nature. Not against chiropractors at all, just don't think this is a problem for them.

Follow your gut, your instincts and I will keep you in my prayers. You made positive life changes now, so don't worry that it is coming back to haunt you now. Just because you smoked once in the past doesn't mean that caused this! Hang in there and pray

Hi D. -

I agree with everybody. You know your body better than everyone else. Trust you instincts!! Sometimes you have to demand things from doctors. I had to and it saved my son's life. It is much better to rest easy after such demands than to stay awake at night wondering.

Good luck and keep us all posted.

Laura

First, ask yourself this: Is there a lot of cancer in your family? Is it really growing? Then, I would insist on a biopsy. My aunt said there was something wrong with her lungs at christmas time, four years ago. She spent the next six months trying to convince her doctor something was wrong. She just "Didn't feel like herself". He thought she was a crackpot. Everything was in her head. That next May they found out she had lymphoma in her lungs. They treated her but she was still sick all that summer. That next Thanksgiving, we finally said good bye and they took her off the ventalator. I don't know if she had cancer that whole time but the doctor was wrong. It's been three years and my mom still will not go to that doctor.
So, I would have it done. I would get a second and third opinion.

Your health is the priority. If you have a question or issue, either demand the biopsy to be safe, or get a second opinion. Doctors aren't perfect either, so if it is a mistake, it's best to err on the safe side. If it turns out to be nothing, then at least you have some peace of mind! Hopefully, that's the case. Good luck, and merry Christmas!

This is your health and you are not being paranoid. Go back to the ENT and demand a biopsy. He gave you the option that if it got bigger he would do it. Your son and husband said it got a little bigger, so that qualifies. Even if the biopsy comes back benign, it is worth your peace of mind to have it done. Good luck and stay strong.

Hi, I don't think you can be to careful when it comes to your health. You need to take controll. If you feel you need a biopsy, then all means get one. Sometimes the medical field will shuffel you around. You need to take charge and if you are worried, set your mind at ease and exaust all possibillies. Hope this helps. J.

My sister noticed a lump on my throat that I didn't realize was there and my family Dr. reffered me to a endocrinologist and sure enough I was hyperthyroid. My immune system was attacking my thyroid and caused it to enlarge. Blood tests should tell you about your thyroid and how well its working. I would surely get a second opinion about biopsy. good luck and blessings

It is your bady...do what makes YOU comfortable. Seriously, if it doesn't need a biopsy...ask WHAT it is and why it is fast growing!!!!
Goood luck.

If, for nothing else but peace of mind, I would have a biopsy. I have gradually lost conficence in the medical community. At least, I have lost the illusion that they know everything. I took celebrex for a year and it gave me 2 ulcers and kidney problems. Recently I took digoxin and it made my heart beat too slow.The doctors right now can't seem to decide what is the matter with me, but I just keep getting worse. Have the biopsy and get on with your life!

It's your health, and you control it--ask for the biopsy! Better safe than sorry...
Good luck, and Merry Christmas!

I always tell people they need to be the driver of their health care. Research, question everyone - including your doctor, work together as a partnership in your health. I had a doctor who was going to put me on rheumatoid arthritis medicines because I had a swollen thumb joint and a slightly elevated rheumatoid factor. I told him I was not going to take those drugs since they cause so many problems and I went out to find a doctor who was not so quick to give me drugs versus finding out what is really going on. Turns out I had food allergies that were causing an inflammatory response. I can only imagine where my health would be today if I blindly did as he told me.

No one knows your body better than you do. If you feel something is not quite right, then you should definitely be having more pointed discussions with the doctor. There could be reasons why he does not feel a biopsy is in order now. Find out what those are and if you are still not comfortable, find another doctor. Especially, when you are dealing with lumps, waiting for months and years could have definite consequences.

One other reason to know definitively is that it is obviously stressing you out. When you are stressed, your immune system is more compromised. They say stress is a leading cause of disease.

Hope all turns out well for you. Merry Christmas.
S.

I would go to a different ENT and get a second opinion.

It never hurts to get a second opinion. What will it hurt. The least they will tell you is that the other doctors were right and that you have no need to worry. But if the other doctors were wrong, then you have caught something sooner. Plus, getting the second opinion, will only help you ease your worry. That to me would be worth it.

Did the ENT read the ultrasound himself or just look at the radiologist's notes from reading it? If he looked at it personally, there's a better chance that he knows to not be concerned. But if he only went off the other doc's reading, or if you are at all unsure of the diagnosis, you have every right to ask for a second opinion. Or go somewhere else for one.

I would get a second opinion from another ENT and if you would feel better having the biopsy, then it is OK for you to demand it and don't be afraid to grill your ENT with questions...why does he/she think it is not necessary to have a biopsy?

Just as an aside, and not that this matters when it comes to health, but do check with your insurance company, as they may be reluctant to pay for the biopsy if you demand it and they don't feel it was "medically necessary."

Best of Luck to you...

DJJ. It is always good to go the extra mile and have things checked out. If for no other reason than to give your self peace within your self.

Hope this helps you out!!!

C. J.

hi D.:) i dont know from personal experience how you feel but i do have medical problems so i can relate in some aspect and i do suggest that you stay calm. yes go demand the biopsy. if need be go to a different docter. i could be nothing serious but its better safe then sorry and and atleast you will have an answer. good luck:)
A.

I say "better safe than sorry" get a biopsy and if it's nothing...you can breath easier...and if it does turn out to be something...you can know that you listened to your gut and hopefully caught it early enough to do something about it!

Peace and good luck to you!
J.
www.SaferisBetter.com/4myfam

YOU MUST TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR OWN HEALTH...trust me...I am a young cancer survivor, and one thing I learned is that if your gut tells you something, you need to get it checked...by someone else! I am curious as to what "kind" of testing they did on your thyroid? You MUST go to an endocrinologist to have it tested correctly (from what I understand) as I also had a thyroid problem 8 years ago (and lots of women in Utah do!!!!). They need to do a barraage of tests, not just one...so that's where I'd start! Good Luck!

If you have a dental appointment soon, hopefully they do a neck and throat cancer check, and possibly they can help you.

Better to be safe than sorry in my opinion! Get the biopsy! Besides it's your health & being a wife and mother you have enough to worry about. Get it done!!! Best wishes
F.

So you know your body better than any one else. If you think that yuo would be better off knowing...do it. Listen to yourself and do what your gut tells you to do!!! Good luck!

D. J,

Honey if it has slightly grown, and you are uncomfortable with what your doctor is telling you. Then by all means go get a second opinion.

I keep getting this scratchy, nasty sounding voice, like every 2 months. It comes and then it goes again. It scares me, and I am still a smoker, but my doctor says she sees nothing to worry about. It isn't red or have any irritation at all.

Anyway, get a second opinion.
You are a wife and mother and have more than your share of things to worry about.
Good luck dear and Merry Christmas.