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Suggest Treatment For Enlarged Tonsils

Posted on Tue, 15 Mar 2016

Question: My right tonsil has been enlarged since November 2014. I went in December 2014 to a Doctor, he checked for strep and mono and I had neither. He gave me antibiotic for 10 days. But the symptom never went away. What could this be and what is a solution?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need to investigate further

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

Tonsils, when infected can remain enlarged for long time, even after resolution of infections. You have mentioned that the symptom never went away. Is there any other symptom except enlargement, like pain or swallowing difficulty? And is it one tonsil or both?

If it is both tonsils with symmetrical round enlargement and no other symptom, then we can follow it up without further treatment. But if it is only one and significantly enlarged, then a biopsy should be done.

You should visit a head and neck or ENT specialist who can guide you further.

Hope this helps.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (34 minutes later)

Thank you for answering my question. To follow up on some of your questions:

- There is pain every now and then but not often. I went a year with this enlarged tonsil because it never bothered me. There wasn't pain generally. Every now and then there would be discomfort coming from my tonsil and it was usually because small white stuff was coming out of it. But once, I cleared the small white stuff I would be fine.

- It is one tonsil. It isn't significantly enlarged - in the sense that I do not have trouble swallowing or breathing. But it is clearly larger (maybe 2-3 times) than the other tonsil.

Do you have any more thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
with one year of symptom it is most likely benign

Detailed Answer:
Most likely it is chronic tonsillitis. Can be followed up as no major symptoms are there. But do get it checked by a specialist near you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (4 minutes later)

Thank you very much. I appreciate your help. I have scheduled an appointment tomorrow with an ENT specialist.

But, you have put my mind at ease....though I still want it checked out.

Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
you are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Yes better to get it checked

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar