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vocal cord cancer
by lolita620, Jan 17, 2008 07:59PM
I hope you can understand this as itype faster than i think. went to ent yesterday. i was treated for vocal cord cancer 6 weeks rad and 6 weeks chemo
back in aug..he didnt see anything in nov now it is a nodual appearence to the cord its self.there was marked edema the right arytenoid.. Hhe hsa moved up my pet scan a month so now im paniciking. i still smoke which i know i shouldnt.Im having ear aches on that side please help
back in aug..he didnt see anything in nov now it is a nodual appearence to the cord its self.there was marked edema the right arytenoid.. Hhe hsa moved up my pet scan a month so now im paniciking. i still smoke which i know i shouldnt.Im having ear aches on that side please help
There can be expected changes on the appearance of the vocal cords after treatment with radiation. This is the reason why the scan would be helpful.
Its hard to say what is the estimated success rate of the treatment you received since you made no mention of the extent of disease such as neck node involvement, etc.
The earaches likewise may be due to the treatment as well, perhaps its best you have them investigated as well while you're waiting for the scan.
stay positive,
If you had a stage 1 cancer, then you are a candidate for cure. It is pretty unlikely that the swelling found is recurrent cancer, it is more likely that it is changes associated with treatment. Continue your follow-ups and stay positive.
IM SO SCARED
Most cancers of the head and neck tend to recur locally, or around the area in which they presented the first time round.
It is common to have areas that scar and thicken mimicking a new tumor with radiation treatment.
The ear symptoms are a bit difficult to answer without knowing the precise fields that were used. The fields indicate the areas where radiation was delivered. You would have a vague idea of its extent if there were skin changes around the area of you ears.
Chemotherapy could also affect the ears - presenting with decreased acuity of hearing and ringing in the ears. This is cumulative however, and the doses given for cancers similar to yours are pretty small.
Best to discuss things with your doctor to make a plan of what things to do next to investigate. Stay positive, the treatment for small cancers like yours is aimed at cure - there is a good chance that you've achieved that.
The appearance of the nodule on the same site as the original cancer is expected because the delivered dose of radiation over this area is highest - hence there would be marked swelling (edema) and scarring. If the area is ulcerated - it may imply the presence of cancer but this is still not specific for it. But put all together - there is still not any compelling evidence that the cancer has returned.
The appearance on the scan will help thresh out things. IF it comes out negative the area will likely be observed - if the scan shows positive findings - a biopsy over the nodule may be performed to get the final verdict.
I think the ENT meant referred rather than deferred pain. This means that a nerve that is shared by the ear and areas radiated would be producting pain. You could inquire about taking pain medications for nerve pain. As the areas of previous radiation continue healing - this pain should slowly go away.
Unfortunately, at the present time - there is this uncertainty that you have to live with. I know its so easy to say that so many things in the world are uncertain and yet we have to carry on somehow. Try to get back to the things that you like doing, that you look forward to during the day.