Hi doc, I had my tonsils removed when I was 5, I am now 27. About 12 months ago I had what my doctor said was pulseline tinitus along with a swollen lymph gland on the left hand side of my neck. Since this I have had a sore throat, aches and pains in this area getting more servier with time, the tinitus stopped after 8 weeks or so. 4 or so months ago I found a small lump in the vacant site of the removed tonsil, this I was told is a blocked saliva gland and should clear on its own. However this hasn t been the case as the gland now has a habit of sticking out more, kind of like a stalk with a ball on the end. I should probably add that I have been off my food for some time and have lost more weight than a guy my size can afford to lose (I m 5 6 and now weigh just over 9 1/2 stone, I did weigh over 11 stone before this flaired up.) Half an hour ago I was checking to see what it was like tonight, using the tip of my tongue to examine the area I found a small tear like hole just above the swollen gland :s I am now quite concerned as I have been a smoker for many years. Could you please give me your opinion on this, any advice would be greatfully received! Frei