Hi Dinasdora and thanks for posting.

It sounds like you have a lot going on at the moment.

Head and neck cancer is general term that covers many different cancers, you can read more about this here.

For your first appointment you will usually talk to the doctor who ask about the symptoms you have been having.  They will probably examine your head and neck, including your ears.

They may want to look at your upper air tubes (larynx) and food passages (oesophagus). This is done with a thin flexible tube called a nasendoscope, with a camera and a light inside.  This is simple procedure and most people have it without anaesthetic, but if you would like it, a local anaesthetic spray can also be used to make your nose and throat numb. You can talk to your doctor about this at the appointment.

You may also have something called a fine needle aspiration.  This means a fine needle with a syringe attached is inserted into the lump and a specimen of the fluid content is withdrawn. The contents are then analysed in the laboratory.  The results are usually available in about two weeks, but this may be different depending on where in the country you are.

The fine needle aspiration can help your doctor decide on the type of lump you have and the best treatment for you. This is usually done by the radiologist with ultrasound guidance. However, sometimes it can be done by the doctor in the clinic.

You have posted in the ask the nurses section, you may find you have more responses if you post in another section, but do remember that everyone has a different experience, even if your symptoms and diagnosis sound the same.

I hope this is helpful but please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You might like to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Rachel

Hi Rachel,

thanks very much for the information. That's very helpful. I will most likely take your advice and contact one of your nurses on the phone line as I just want to be as prepared as possible.

kind regards,

karen