Man’s Vigilance Leads to Early Cancer Detection After Tonsillitis

A 32-year-old man from London has highlighted the critical importance of listening to one’s intuition after experiencing recurring tonsillitis led to the discovery of a hidden tumor under his tongue. Pawel Chmura, who serves as a front-of-house coordinator for a marketing agency, began investigating his health concerns at the end of 2023, which ultimately resulted in a life-altering diagnosis.

Chmura’s troubles began after he was diagnosed with mouth cancer. He recalled that the year prior, he frequently suffered from tonsillitis, particularly after returning from holidays. He expressed, “Every time I came back from holiday, I was suffering from tonsillitis, and there are only so many times you can take antibiotics before you start asking questions.”

Despite initial tests and swabs at his general practitioner yielding no results, Chmura continued to pursue answers. He utilized his health insurance from Bupa to consult specialists and was eventually referred to an infectious disease expert in early 2024. An MRI scan revealed something concerning.

“When I had a call to discuss the results, the specialist said, ‘your tonsils are fine, but we found something on the image which I think you need to speak with someone else about’,” Chmura recounted. This led to a referral for an ultrasound and a fine needle biopsy. However, due to the tumor’s location beneath his tongue, a biopsy could not be performed. Feeling anxious, Chmura sought out a surgeon specializing in oral issues through Bupa’s website.

The decision to remove the lump was made, and a biopsy followed. Two weeks later, Chmura returned for the results, anticipating good news. Instead, he was met with the devastating confirmation of cancer. “When I walked in and saw the doctor and nurse, I felt like something was off straight away. They said ‘listen, unfortunately it’s a cancer,’” he recalled.

According to a report by the Oral Health Foundation, mouth cancer cases in the UK have surged by 38% in the past decade, making it one of the country’s fastest-growing cancers. Following his diagnosis, Chmura felt a sense of reassurance due to the clarity of the treatment plan ahead. His immediate concern turned to how he would break the news to his parents in Poland.

“The only thing I focused on was how to tell my parents and how to organize them to fly over here from Poland,” Chmura said. “Obviously, you never want to hear over the phone that your only son has cancer.” His parents were understandably devastated, but Chmura reassured them about the quality of care he was receiving.

Lead consultant and oral surgeon Raf Niziol managed Chmura’s treatment, which included the removal of the floor of the mouth, a neck resection, and a forearm tissue transplant. A tracheostomy was also performed to manage post-operative swelling. Chmura described the immediate aftermath of his surgery as a “blur,” attributing this to the painkillers he was prescribed.

“It’s very weird going back to the time when I was in ICU, because I was on so many painkillers that everything feels like a blur,” he explained. Despite the haze, certain moments remained vivid in his memory. “For example, the first night after the surgery, I was having trouble sleeping. I had these awful dreams and kept waking myself up.”

Chmura returned to work three months post-surgery, yet the fear of recurrence remains a constant concern. “The type of cancer means that I need to have yearly test scans, and in this particular case, there is quite a high chance of recurrence in the lungs,” he stated. He also noted that he had to relearn how to use his tongue following the extensive procedure. “My tongue doesn’t feel as flexible as it once was, and I can no longer stick it out,” he shared.

Neil Sikka, director of dentistry at Bupa Dental Care, emphasized the vital role dental professionals play in detecting abnormalities that could indicate cancer. “During routine check-ups, we perform a cancer screening examination and are well-placed to spot early signs of mouth cancer and refer patients for further investigation when needed,” Sikka said.

Reflecting on the tumultuous year of 2024, Chmura expressed a renewed outlook on life and a desire to make the most of every moment. “I’ve named 2025 as the year of making dreams come true,” he declared. “I have put in a lot of effort to enjoy this year and I think that’s my new life motto, to kind of do whatever I want.”

He has embraced adventure, traveling extensively and even attending a concert by Lady Gaga in Barcelona. Chmura aims to inspire others facing health challenges to persist in seeking answers. “If there is a worry about anything, just go and have it checked, because if I didn’t push, god knows when we would have found it,” he urged. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of advocacy in personal health.