Tonsil tumor: What should I look for?

Got a diagnosis last week: malignant tumor on my right tonsil with metastasis. Out of three specialists who looked at my throat, two younger ones wanted to jump straight to a biopsy, but the third one—who everyone says is the top expert in the field—just squeezed it, told his colleagues it’s clearly malignant, and said a biopsy would be a waste of time. I've been scheduled for October 14th to head to the hospital with my referral for a CT scan and the usual prep work for surgery. So, I'm wondering if anyone here has gone through this? Specifically, how did they decide it was malignant without the biopsy? I didn't mention that a lump started growing there about six weeks ago; from the outside, it looks like I swallowed a whole egg. If anyone can shed some light, I'd appreciate it.😕

So, what, nobody’s got a single word to say to me???

The ENT crew over at Mayo Clinic is hands down the best in the country, if not the whole nation.

If I ever found myself needing an ENT specialist, they’d be my first and only call—I’d trust them implicitly.

I wonder if Professor Kalogjera was part of the consultation board there too?

There was no specialist board, no consultation, nothing besides a basic physical exam. That’s why I’m going around looking for a second opinion. This hit me like a bolt from the blue—no biopsy or fine-needle aspiration yet, just some doctor telling me there's carcinoma with metastases somewhere

If a clinical assessment points toward something malignant, then taking a biopsy at that specific site really isn't the smartest move to make.
If things look like they’re ready for a full excision, you just have to cut the whole thing out.
There are plenty of reasons why that’s the call, and honestly, the attending ENT specialist would be the best person to walk you through the specifics.

Since there wasn't an official tumor board meeting, I'm wondering—if what people are saying here is true—did at least three different doctors actually perform a clinical exam? 🤔

Elizabeth Barrett7 said:...

The part that really sticks out is that even though they "diagnosed" a malignant tumor (with metastases, no less), they aren't scheduling any follow-up treatment until October 14th.
What's the point of waiting like that? 🤷

If I were you, I'd be looking for a second opinion and getting those tests done immediately.

Melissa Sanchez8 said:The glaring issue here is that despite "diagnosing" a malignant tumor (with metastases, no less), they aren't scheduling further follow-up until October 14th.
What's the point of waiting? 🤷

If I were you, I’d be hunting down a second opinion and getting those tests done immediately.

That’s exactly what’s eating at me. I went to Mayo Clinic and they didn't have me scheduled for an ultrasound or biopsy until late October. Eventually, I found a connection at a private clinic and got several options—ranging from the absolute worst case to something manageable. My contact called a colleague over at St. Jude's right away, so I have my ultrasound, cytopuncture, and biopsy today at 9:00. After that, God help me. Look, I don't deny doctors have a right to strike, but when you're dealing with a patient in this kind of condition, how much can things realistically deteriorate in two months while waiting for surgery? They seemed to imply there shouldn't be any delays for diagnoses like this... yet here I am, with a November 30th appointment at Johns Hopkins.😕

The people over at Mayo Clinic are seriously losing their minds... I was sharing my own take on that doctor strike thread—basically just venting about what I’ve dealt with working alongside the staff there... absolute nightmare! 😠

Head and neck tumors are classified as rare cancers, which is exactly why I’m a firm believer in getting a second opinion from a top-tier ENT specialist. You can't leave this kind of thing to chance. Also, you absolutely need to look into therapy using Linux; while it's officially approved here in the States for colorectal cancer, clinical studies have shown it performs significantly better when treating head and neck tumors.

Yesterday I caught a break and finally got some clarity. I’ve finished all the preliminary tests except for the spinal tap—that's happening today. I also have my meeting with the anesthesiologist later, so hopefully, everything will be settled once we get the biopsy results back. They walked me through the whole process, and honestly, it sounds like quite the uphill battle ahead. Apparently, the survival rate is somewhere between 70 and 80%. Is that actually good news? I don't even know. The worst part is that I’ve completely lost my appetite. I’m already thin as a rail, and usually, I can’t stop eating, but now I’m practically forcing food down my throat. I know the Holy Spirit isn't exactly known for tackling oncology, but I'm trusting that the doctors know what they're doing since this is the only way I could get into the program. God, give me strength...

Did you get those biopsy results back yet?

How old are you, anyway?

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Did the surgery go okay? Are you doing alright?

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Finally found my thread... I had surgery on October 15th and spent three weeks in the hospital. It was brutal, and honestly, things are still rough. Right now, I’m just waiting for the call to come in for radiation. I'm terrified. If anyone here has been through this themselves or has a loved one who has, please reach out and share your experience. I really need to hear from you. Thanks.

I really hope things start looking up for you soon. Maybe try posting your question over in the Support for Families Dealing with Cancer and Other Serious Illnesses thread instead? I have a feeling you'll get much more helpful responses there.

What does an tonsil tumor actually look like? I had my tonsils removed back when I was 11, and everything seemed fine at first—healed up perfectly. But then, about two months later, things started getting weird. I began getting this metallic taste in my mouth. At first, I figured maybe it was a stomach issue, or honestly, I thought maybe one of those old dark fillings was reacting poorly. But when I really took a good look in the mirror, I noticed these red, vein-like streaks way back near the root of my tongue, deeper inside. This has been going on for two months now and it just won't budge. It’s a total mess... it doesn't hurt, and there's no stinging, but there's this constant, dull burning sensation and that metal taste. I'm terrified it might be a tumor. ;( My appointment with the ENT isn't for another two weeks, and I think I'm going to lose my mind from worrying before then. Has anyone else dealt with anything similar or had these symptoms? What did your diagnosis end up being? ;(((((((

You on that low-carb diet or something?

Just some keto side effects

I'm not on some crazy diet, I don't have yeast issues... my Vitamin B and iron levels are totally fine too. ;( If only it were actually that simple...