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What Causes Hard Mass Behind Arch Of Tongue?

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Posted on Wed, 17 Sep 2014
Question: Hey doc I got this wall of tissue mass that looks like a tombstone behind the arch where the tongue meets I can only see it when I stick my tongue way out. It's almost against the wall of the throat and under the tonsil. I've had this for a year with constant global sensation. I've been on antibiotics 3 times and it don't help also went to 2 different ENT doctors and they say it's lymphatic tissue. What can this be it drives me crazy scared of cancer. If u were to stick out the tongue and put your finger right behind the arch and at the base of the tongue that's where the mass is u can feel the bulge of tissue it almost hides against the wall of the throat. Please help
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Non cancerous. Benign lump.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I have seen the attached image. The mass that you have mentioned appears to be an outgrowth from the pharyngeal mucosa near the tonsil. These are usually benign lumps. If it is not actively increasing in the size or there is no overlying ulceration then it is not likely to be associated with any cancer.
However since it is causing global sensation it is best to get it removed surgically. This will involve a small local anaesthesia and can be done as a day care procedure. Biopsy of the tissue will then help in a confirmed diagnosis and you will improve symptomatically also.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (8 hours later)
Doc what u mean by ulceration. This mass runs lateral down the throat. 2 XXXXXXX ENT docs said it was my tonsil but it's way up near the arch. What causes this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Ulceration means wound- usually non healing.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.

Ulceration means a non healing wound on the lump. The presence of tonsil tissue at the extra places is just a physiological variation. It does not indicate any pathology. Excision biopsy however will confirm the diagnosis.

Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12315 Questions

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What Causes Hard Mass Behind Arch Of Tongue?

Brief Answer: Non cancerous. Benign lump. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. I have seen the attached image. The mass that you have mentioned appears to be an outgrowth from the pharyngeal mucosa near the tonsil. These are usually benign lumps. If it is not actively increasing in the size or there is no overlying ulceration then it is not likely to be associated with any cancer. However since it is causing global sensation it is best to get it removed surgically. This will involve a small local anaesthesia and can be done as a day care procedure. Biopsy of the tissue will then help in a confirmed diagnosis and you will improve symptomatically also. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal