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I’m A 69 Year Old Male. I Quit Smoking At
Question: I’m a 69 year old male. I quit smoking at 34 and I drink about 12-13 alcohol drinks weekly.
I had an intermittent ear and neck ache mild.
ENT scoped me said things looked okay but my tongue on one side was asymmetrical. He said he didn’t see a lump, sore, ulcer, etc but ordered an MRI of the neck soft tissue he said. He also put his gloved finger back there but evidently felt no lump. I said are you looking for tongue cancer and he said yes but he said 95% I’m cancer free but 5% chance.
I’m an anxious sort. What do you say please? Thanks
I had an intermittent ear and neck ache mild.
ENT scoped me said things looked okay but my tongue on one side was asymmetrical. He said he didn’t see a lump, sore, ulcer, etc but ordered an MRI of the neck soft tissue he said. He also put his gloved finger back there but evidently felt no lump. I said are you looking for tongue cancer and he said yes but he said 95% I’m cancer free but 5% chance.
I’m an anxious sort. What do you say please? Thanks
Brief Answer:
Probably an acid reflux disease, causing inflammation in the throat...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query. I have gone through the query thoroughly and understood your problem.
1. The symptoms of an earache and neck pain could be due to various reasons such as acid reflux disease, dry mouth/throat, cervical spondylosis, swellings in the neck pressing over the adjacent nerves, malignancy, etc.
2. The asymmetry of the tongue may be insignificant as the physical examination done by the doctor did not reveal any swelling.
3. MRI has been suggested keeping in mind your age and the malignancy. As the doctor is requesting an MRI of the neck, it would be wiser to include the study of the brain along with it, to look for any other pathology in the latter.
4. Finally, I doubt any cancer according to the description given by you. I strongly feel it could be related to acid reflux disease, causing inflammation in the throat.
Hope this answers your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Probably an acid reflux disease, causing inflammation in the throat...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query. I have gone through the query thoroughly and understood your problem.
1. The symptoms of an earache and neck pain could be due to various reasons such as acid reflux disease, dry mouth/throat, cervical spondylosis, swellings in the neck pressing over the adjacent nerves, malignancy, etc.
2. The asymmetry of the tongue may be insignificant as the physical examination done by the doctor did not reveal any swelling.
3. MRI has been suggested keeping in mind your age and the malignancy. As the doctor is requesting an MRI of the neck, it would be wiser to include the study of the brain along with it, to look for any other pathology in the latter.
4. Finally, I doubt any cancer according to the description given by you. I strongly feel it could be related to acid reflux disease, causing inflammation in the throat.
Hope this answers your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Can I ask why you think it’s acid reflux?
He evidently saw nothing or felt nothing but I’m guessing the intermittent ear and neck pain plus the asymmetrical tongue made him choose to do an MRI. By the way, I do have severe spondylitis and spinal stenosis
Would asymmetrical tongue with no other symptoms be an unusual presentation of tongue cancer at the base?
Thanks
He evidently saw nothing or felt nothing but I’m guessing the intermittent ear and neck pain plus the asymmetrical tongue made him choose to do an MRI. By the way, I do have severe spondylitis and spinal stenosis
Would asymmetrical tongue with no other symptoms be an unusual presentation of tongue cancer at the base?
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Laryngopharyngeal reflux is the commonest condition causing neck & earache
Detailed Answer:
Hi
thanks for writing back
1. Laryngopharyngeal reflux secondary to the acid reflux is the commonest condition causing neck and earache. Consumption of alcohol increases the chances of acid reflux. Secondly, as we grow older the sphincter of the Gastro-esophageal junction becomes lax, allowing regurgitation of the acid from the stomach into the throat.
2. Cervical spondylitis can also present with the similar symptoms of neck and ear pain.
3. Asymmetry of the tongue is not always a feature of malignancy of the tongue. Seldom, asymmetry of the tongue is noticed in the later phase of the life due to the weakness of the muscles of the tongue.
Hope this clarifies your doubts
Wish you good health
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Laryngopharyngeal reflux is the commonest condition causing neck & earache
Detailed Answer:
Hi
thanks for writing back
1. Laryngopharyngeal reflux secondary to the acid reflux is the commonest condition causing neck and earache. Consumption of alcohol increases the chances of acid reflux. Secondly, as we grow older the sphincter of the Gastro-esophageal junction becomes lax, allowing regurgitation of the acid from the stomach into the throat.
2. Cervical spondylitis can also present with the similar symptoms of neck and ear pain.
3. Asymmetry of the tongue is not always a feature of malignancy of the tongue. Seldom, asymmetry of the tongue is noticed in the later phase of the life due to the weakness of the muscles of the tongue.
Hope this clarifies your doubts
Wish you good health
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2540 Questions
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