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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Tonsil Cancer?

Posted on Sat, 25 Jun 2016

Question: Last week I noticed a swollen tonsil on one side only... Picture attached. I'm not sure how long it has been like this. I went to an internist and was told it could be allergy related. As an ENT does this look like something I should be concerned about and see an ENT for?

It isn't causing me pain although my throat has was feeling a bit "off" last week which is why I looked with a flashlight.

I'm worried that this could be tonsil cancer. Does it look like it could be tonsil cancer to you?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is perfectly normal tonsils without any signs malignancy

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

I have examined the image thoroughly and noticed that the right tonsil is slightly enlarged compared to that of left.

Do not worry! Both the tonsils are perfectly normal with subtle infection. I don't see any signs of malignancy. Allergy does not cause unilateral enlargement of tonsils. Your present throat discomfort could be due to viral infection.

Unilaterally enlarged tonsil is not rare. Most of the individuals have unequal tonsils and that's perfectly normal. If the unilaterally enlarged tonsil is associated with continuous fever and deranged blood counts, then, infectious mononucleosis has to be ruled out.

I would suggest you to drink plenty of warm water and avoid chilled food and beverages. You should get better with this.

Hope this answers your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (16 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. I had read that unilateral tonsil swelling could be a sign of mailgnancy. I do have HPV which I know can be linked to that so I was worrying.

So that I further understand why you dont see signs of malignancy, are you saying that tonsil cancer woukd be much larger than my enlarged tonsil? What else would it look like that you dont see with min?

The more I understand the less I will worry! Thanks so much!e

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Rarely, unilateral enlarged tonsils can be a sign of malignancy...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

1. Mere unilateral enlargement of tonsil is not a sign of malignancy. Few studies have shown the association of HPV with tonsillar neoplasm. Although more than 100 strains have been isolated, HPV type 16 and 18 are most commonly associated with cancers. And, not all people infected with HPV will end up with tonsillar neoplasm.

2. Secondly, lymphoma can present with unilateral enlargement of tonsil, but, there are other associated features, such as, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, supraclavicular and axillary region.

3. The commonest type of malignancy of the tonsil is squamous cell carcinoma. The commonest presentation is enlargement and ulceration of the tonsil. These tumors occur mostly between the ages of 50 and 70. They are more common in males and are often associated with a history of smoking, tobacco chewing and drinking alcohol.

4. Following are the links of the images showing the tonsillar neoplasm.

http://www.yyyyyyyyy.com/Tonsil_Tumor_with_neck_Mets_09_1321SQ_GG__1_.JPG

http://cyyyyyyyyyy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/B0000_gr8.jpg

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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. Raju A.T