I enjoyed good health and worked until till late 2003 when I developed possible repeated strain injuries problem. In July, 2004, I was diagnosed Parkinson’s Disease and I then retired in September, 2004.
I noticed a small lump on right lower jaw in April, 2005 which was about a pea size and I assumed it was a sebaceous cyst because I have had similar lesions on my neck.
About 5 years ago, I had one removed and it was shown to be a benign lesion. So I did not worry about it. By May 3rd, this small lump had grown, almost doubling in size. I had no pain or any discomfort. I then asked for advice from my GP when I went for a routine pill ordering visit. Both my GP and I thought it may be a blocked salivary gland, but my GP wisely arranged for me to see a specialist at the Homerton University Hospital.
In due course, I was seen by Mr Leo Cheng at the Homerton Hospital’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical clinic and he arranged an Xray of the jaw and ultrasound of my neck for me.
Xray of the jaw showed no problems with the jaw, but by then the lump in front of my right ear had grown in size again and appeared to have moved closer to the base of my right ear. I still had no pain but the lump seemed to be growing larger!
On 8th July, 2005, I had a scan and the result showed a parotid gland tumour. Cell samples were then taken from this lump for examination under microscope. By now my fears were growing faster than the lump itself and I have never been so scared and anxious.
|
Terence H Parsons
|
I was seen by Mr Cheng on 9th August at the Homerton Hospital and he told me that the needle samples analysed had given inconclusive results and his advice was to have the parotid tumour removed and he would get me admitted to the Hospital within 2 months.
The operation would take about 2 hours under general anaesthetic and the post-operative stay at St Bartholomew’s Hospital would be 4 to 5 days.
By now, my fears, nervousness and anxiety were as high as Mount Everest. This was my first ever operation in 64 years and it may be cancer!!!!!!
Operation was scheduled for Monday 5th September, 2005 at St Bartholomew’s Hospital. I came back from theatre at around 4 pm and returned back to the ward at 7pm. The whole operation took around 3 hours.
The result of my lump showed one cancerous tumour and it was completely removed with no trace left behind. So I did not need further treatment after the operation.
I was advised before the operation that a slight weakness of my facial nerve might happen which would then affect the movement of my right eyelids and a slight droop of the right corner of my mouth. Mr Cheng had talked me through all the possibilities, including the chance of permanent damage to the facial nerve.
Thanks to the skill of Mr Cheng and his team, 99% of the facial movements have returned. I am so grateful that I did not delay seeking medical advice longer than I did, and again thanks to the skills of the “Cheng Team” BRILLIANT. Briefly if a strange swelling/lump appears - GET IT CHECKED.
|
