CULT comedian Mark Steel has been diagnosed with throat cancer after finding a hard lump on his neck.
The British comedy writer noticed symptoms such as his neck “looking a lot bigger than normal” while shaving in June earlier this year.
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Mark Steele was diagnosed with throat cancer after feeling a lump on his neck Credit: Getty
After doctors examined the lump, Mark was scheduled for a biopsy, MRI scan and Cat scan, which later revealed the devastating news.
The 63-year-old wrote to The Guardian: “I noticed that one side of my neck looked a lot bigger than usual.
“I had to look from several angles before I believed the mirror.”
When the lump didn’t shrink for more than two weeks, the comedian had it scanned and was told it would need a biopsy.
The doctor, who asked Mark some more questions about his symptoms, gave him a prognosis over the phone and said his “chances” were not good.
After his biopsy was completed, the writer waited 12 days for his results and was informed that he would need further testing in the form of an MRI and a Cat scan.
Additionally, the concerned comedian was told he would need another biopsy after presenting at the awards ceremony.
“Then a completely new person called me and said I had to go in for another biopsy the next day ‘to see what stage of cancer you have,'” Mark explained.
“‘Wait,’ I said, ‘Nobody said it’s definitely cancer, are you saying it’s definitely cancer?’ She paused. ‘That. Didn’t anyone tell you?’”
Despite understanding that mistakes happen, Mark added: “It’s reasonable polite to ask how they could have lost the biopsy and forgot to tell me I had freaking cancer.”
After the consultation, the father of two was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer in two places, primarily in the throat.
Mark continued: “Every appointment, every scan, I was always a little bit worse. Nothing is as nerve-wracking as a meeting like that.
“I sat on the chair and tried to convince myself that whatever the next few moments revealed, it wasn’t so bad.
– I have cancer, but it is a cancer that can be cured.
After receiving the devastating blow of a diagnosis of throat cancer, Mark was given hope by his doctor, who confirmed that it was “very curable”.
The 63-year-old is currently awaiting surgery and a treatment program.
He said: “The current estimate is that I should be able to start performing again in about six months.
“I have cancer, but it is a cancer that can be cured.
“I feel like a leopard is in my house, locked in a room.
“I have contacted the leopard authorities and they assure me that they are used to dealing with these types of leopards and have a plan to remove the leopards.
“It’s going to take a while though, and I can hear him growl every now and then.”
Symptoms of throat cancer
The NHS has listed these as the main symptoms of throat cancer:
- A change in your voice, such as hoarseness.
- Pain when swallowing or difficulty swallowing.
- A lump or swelling on the neck.
- Prolonged cough.
- Persistent pain in the throat or ear.
- In severe cases, difficulty breathing.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education