Surgery Question...I am terrified ! :( ?

Question

Hi,

I am a 14 year old, and I have a big lump on my tongue. I went to the walk in doctor's and he sent me to do 2 Xrays, and then sent me to a specialist. At that specialist he sent me to do an ultrasound, and put me on antibiotics (Amoxin) for 10 days, but no results show. Now, he sent me to another specialist, and this time he got me to do an MRI, and he froze my throat and nose, and stuck a camera in my right nostril down to my throat to get a different view. I did the MRI yesterday, and the results show that the area where the lump is in, contains a lot of blood. I am now sent to Sick Kids Hospital to do a surgery, I am still waiting for an appointment date, though I know I will do it for sure. They are going to do a biopsy of it, and at the same time, take the lump off. I would really appreciate it if you can tell me how long the surgery may take, if I will stay overnight, and need an IV bag and around how long will I be able to eat again...because the lump is on my tongue. By the way, the ultrasound showed that my thyroid is perfectly fine! :) I do not smoke or drink, and it does not look like cancer, according to the docs.

I am scared, mainly of what it is, and partly of the surgery and the pain afterwards.

I do have pictures of it..

http://flickr.com/photos/28093905@N02/2730946004/in/photostream/

http://flickr.com/photos/28093905@N02/2730103215/

Sorry, if they are not clear :(

Thank you for taking your time to read this, if you know what it might be, please tell me.

Once again, thank you ! :D

Answer 1

Hmm, not sure what it is, and don't think you will know until after it is biopsied, but it might be a small tumor of some sort, which doesn't mean cancer by the way.   The surgery itself will probably not take but a few hours, and you will probably stay overnight, being you won't be able to eat or drink anything afterwards.  Of course that may depend also on what time they do the surgery, but if I were a dr, I think I would like you to stay overnight for observation.  You should probably be able to drink fluids later on in the day, and stuff like jello or something similar.  A lot will depend on the dr.  But you will be fine.

Answer 2

dear toller

please stop fretting. i cannot help you with the answers you seek but these are questions your parents & you should be asking the docs & getting answers to. it is your prerogative & right as a patient to seek all information & be as comfortable as possible before going in for any treatment.

confide in your parents about your apprehensions & post-surgery doubts.

i do hope you get well soon & all the best.