Please help....really worried - Cancer Message Board

skidrow2k5 · 07-05-2005, 12:31 PM

im sure u hear this all the time on hear but im really scared that i have cancer, im a 19 year old male, i used to smoke on and off since i was about 14, but stopped a few years ago, ive never been a heavy smoker or drinker, but recently ive had a pain in my left shoulderblade area wen i breathe in, this worsens with exercise, it feels like a pulled muscle but ive had it for a gd 4-5 months now and even recent ive had difficulties breathing, it feels like a throat infection and theres no real pain wen i touch my throat or swallow and im not chronically coughing or coughing up blood, its just my throat and chest feels tight and im just really scared the two problems could be cancer related, the throat thing started about 4 weeks ago and hasnt really got ne worse or ne better really, i saw a doctor who said it was just a throat infection and didnt know wot was causing the pain in my back, but upon listening to my breathing she said it sounded clear through a stethascope....i think thats good?, please help if you can im a natural worrier ne way and i wud appreciate ne replys, thanks.

shnswms · 07-05-2005, 04:05 PM

It is highly unlikely you have anything like lung cancer or throat cancer at your age. I would recommend going to the doctor and getting a possible chest x-ray. The doctor is probably right in this case by suggesting a throat infection or something similar. Good luck.

BarbieBlueEyes · 07-05-2005, 04:35 PM

She said it was "clear" because she heard no congestion in your lungs meaning it was not pneumonia or plurisy. If you are concerned see and ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) doctor. He can put your fears to rest. Any sore throat that lasts for more than 2 weeks should be checked by an ENT. Cancer can occur at any age even in babies so to be certain get a complete check so you can be certain of your diagnosis.

Bless you,
Barbara~ .

skidrow2k5 · 07-05-2005, 05:05 PM

thank you both for ur help, my mind has been eased a little, as i said i am a natural worrier, ill give it another week, if theres no improvements ill go see my doctor, but as u said, cancer is highly unlikely in ppl my age, thanks again

daz

shnswms · 07-05-2005, 08:59 PM

I wasn't suggesting it was impossible to have those cancers at 19 or to ignore your problem. It is just extremely unlikely. Different cancers have different age groups they are predisoposed to and other risk factors. But yes cancer does occur in young people. Lung and throat cancer are just not generally seen in teens. You should definately follow up on your problems if they persist.