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What Causes Enlarged Left Tonsil, Ear Pain, Tinnitus And Chronic Night Sweats?
Question: Hello, I noticed a few months ago that my left tonsil was quite large but not painful. I have take several courses of antibiotics to no affect. A few weeks ago I noticed a lump on the same tonsil. It is skin-ish colour with a yellow tinge. I have seen my GP who suggested an ultrasound which revealed 6 swollen lymph nodes (38.8x12.7x16.4mm being the largest) in the left side of my neck and 2 in my right (36.8x8.7x12.2mm being the largest).
I have also had achey ears for quite a few months, which I put down to a loud noise going off next to my ear, but on examination there appears to be nothing physically wrong with them to cause the ear pain.
For the past week (a week or so since the appearance of the lump on my left tonsil) I have been extremely lethargic with a general feeling of malaise. I have also been experiencing chronic night sweats, to the point where I am forced to change my sheets on a daily basis.
Could this just be acute on chronic tonsillitis or should I be concerned it is something more sinister?
I have also had achey ears for quite a few months, which I put down to a loud noise going off next to my ear, but on examination there appears to be nothing physically wrong with them to cause the ear pain.
For the past week (a week or so since the appearance of the lump on my left tonsil) I have been extremely lethargic with a general feeling of malaise. I have also been experiencing chronic night sweats, to the point where I am forced to change my sheets on a daily basis.
Could this just be acute on chronic tonsillitis or should I be concerned it is something more sinister?
Brief Answer:
This will require further investigation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. It is not unusual to have one tonsil appear larger than the other.
2. However, given your history, it will be better to get a few more tests done.
3. A throat swab and a small punch biopsy of the lump on the tonsil should be done. An FNAC ( Fine Needle Aspiration Cyrology ) of the largest lymph nodes should be done. Routine blood tests and a chest X-ray will help.
4. Isolated tuberculosis of the tonsils is rare. Other mycobacteria of fungal infections may be the cause. Lymphomas should be ruled out by the Biopsy.
5. In many cases, it is usually a benign tosillolith.
6 Upload these test results for further treatment options.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
This will require further investigation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. It is not unusual to have one tonsil appear larger than the other.
2. However, given your history, it will be better to get a few more tests done.
3. A throat swab and a small punch biopsy of the lump on the tonsil should be done. An FNAC ( Fine Needle Aspiration Cyrology ) of the largest lymph nodes should be done. Routine blood tests and a chest X-ray will help.
4. Isolated tuberculosis of the tonsils is rare. Other mycobacteria of fungal infections may be the cause. Lymphomas should be ruled out by the Biopsy.
5. In many cases, it is usually a benign tosillolith.
6 Upload these test results for further treatment options.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
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
Answered by
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