Removal of a neck lump
I never realised I had a lump on my neck, as it never seemed noticeable. It was however noticed by family members that I had not seen in a while. Soon after I realised the lump on my neck was there, and was also growing rapidly. Within three-four months, the lump had grown to three or four times the original size and was a prominent part of my neck. It could be spotted by all that I knew and even all people that I didn’t know. This made me feel very uncomfortable, especially when people noticed it daily. Given my line of work, it did not help (Supermarket Cashier). The lump was not painful, but just unsightly. I felt even more worried when some people suggested it could be cancerous. I visited my GP and was referred to a specialist, for further diagnosis.
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Pushpa after Surgery
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I was referred to Dr Cheng, who put me at ease immediately. I felt confident immediately that Dr Cheng would do his utmost to find out the cause of this lump, just from his good nature and concern. Tests were performed on my neck, and I was thankful to find out that the lump was not cancerous, although it could not be ruled out that it could become cancerous in the future. I was not too comfortable with having this removed although it seemed the most sensible option, so it took some discussion with Dr Cheng and the family before I decided with going for surgery.
The day of the operation approached quickly, and the most worrying aspect for me was of the possible side effects that could occur from this type of operation, due to the proximity of the operation to nerves in the face. Dr Cheng had informed me that it was more than likely that I would lose feeling permanently in my earlobe but also there was some possibility of facial nerves being touched which could affect facial movements. This worried me a lot, but Dr Cheng was very re-assuring and my family were very supportive.
The lump although quite unsightly had been identified as currently harmless, however the fact that it could become cancerous was a worry, and at my age (53), it was better to perform it now than 10 years down the line, when the risks were potentially greater.
Dr Cheng also explained a scar would exist on the neck, where the cut would be made. All the details filled me with me worry, but my family gave me the courage to agree to the operation and go ahead with it. It was performed at St.Bart's Hospital in May 2004.
I was in Hospital for a few days and I had to be extremely careful not to make rapid face movements in the weeks and months after my operation in order to strain any nerves.
My family were very supportive throughout, and the aftercare was very good and regular which gave me comfort throughout the recovery process. After 3 months, I was going on with normal day to day life, without any negative side effects other than the non feeling in my ear.
The surgery had been performed using a new technique so that, the scar line effectively could not be noticed at all, as it was disguised under the lines of skin under the throat. I have continued to see Dr Cheng for regular check ups & aftercare over the last two years, until my final appointment two weeks ago, when I confirmed to him, I felt fine. He confirmed that the recovery process was complete, and that he would be available if any further aftercare, advice was required. Throughout the process, I always had a worry something may go wrong, but now that concern has gone, and I am confident and look forward to the future without this lump on my neck.
Pushpa Gandesha
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