When to call the oncologist?

Skeptic

I have developed a small lump on the outside of my right elbow.  It is on the actual side of the elbow joint, not on the bottom part that you might rest on a desk. The lump does not hurt.  It does cause a small brief twinge of pain when I move in a certain way, but overall, it does not hurt, and does not interfere with normal movement. I went to my primary care doctor who seemed to speculate it might be "cubital tunnel syndrome"  but this does not make sense to me, I don't think I fit the profile and definition of that. So far we've taken an xray that I am told (by the nurse when I called, I have not yet spoken to the doctor) that it doesn't show any abnormality with the bone/joint.  But it is still unknown what the lump is.  The nurse said the doctor is still reviewing what the next step will be, possibly an MRI. I know every medical problem going forward is not going to be related to cancer, but how do you determine when something might need to be brought to the attention of a cancer doctor?  I don't want to bug my oncologist for every little thing, but neither do I trust my local hospital to have the insight to catch subtle problems that might be beyond the scope of their usual frame of reference.  If my primary care doctor suggests an MRI or some other test, should I let my local hospital do this, or should I call my medical oncologist at that point and get her opinion?  I have the same question if my PCP dismisses it as some sort of repetitive injury strain.  How do you decide what is a routine health problem, and what may possibly be related to cancer?  

Moderators

Great questions, Skeptic! Our advice would be to reach out to your oncologist, simply for the fact that getting an answer from her will likely give you the peace of mind you're seeking. We're sure she won't see it as just "a little thing," but rather as a concern you have that should be addressed.

Hoping this message helps bump your topic so others can weigh in too! Please keep us posted on how things go!

--The Mods

Golden01

My MO advises that anything that when anything doesn't resolve in about two weeks, come see him. On a regular visit to see the MO, I complained of a pain in my hip. He gave me the orders for further tests and encouraged me to wait two weeks or so before scheduling. The two weeks came and went and I didn't even remember that I had the orders for the tests because the pain was gone. I've learned to never hesitate to call or schedule and appointment.

Blessings2011

I agree... keep your MO in the loop if something different or unusual is taking place.

Fortunately for me, I can email mine at any time. I would say something like "Here is what I am experiencing, these are the tests I've had, and here is what my PCP said. What are your thoughts?"