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Tonsil Cancer - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Tonsil Cancer - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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The tonsil is a vital organ, and its cancer can not only interfere with routine activities but can also cost one’s life if ignored. Read this article to know more about tonsil cancer, its symptoms, causes, stages, treatment, and its outcome.

Written by

Dr. Lochana .k

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Prajakta Keluskar

Published At September 25, 2021
Reviewed AtNovember 16, 2022

What Is Tonsil?

The tonsil is an organ involved in the lymphatic system. These tonsils are located near the throat and are two in number. It is lined by pink-colored mucosa. Tonsils are beneficial in fighting against different infections. In some patients, tonsils are removed at a much younger age due to tonsillitis.

What Is Tonsil Cancer?

The development of abnormal growth in the tonsils is known as tonsil cancer. These tonsils are vital for our immunity, and any cancerous condition of tonsils makes an individual prone to several kinds of infections. It can also disrupt normal eating and swallowing patterns. Tonsil cancers are usually classified as oropharynx cancer, throat cancer, and head and neck cancer.

What Is the Epidemiology of Tonsil Cancer?

Malignant conditions of tonsils are very rare. Less than 0.5 percent of new cases of throat cancer are reported in the United States of America every year. But the occurrence of oropharyngeal carcinoma is common.

What Are the Causes of Tonsil Cancer?

Smoking and alcohol consumption can cause tonsil cancer. In some patients, tonsil cancer can be due to the presence of viral pathogens. The notable viruses causing tonsil cancer are the human papillomavirus and Epstein-Barr virus. A diet that is poor in nutrition can also cause tonsil cancer. Chewing of betel quid can also serve as a cause in increasing the susceptibility of tonsil cancer.

What Are the Symptoms of Tonsil Cancer?

The various symptoms associated with tonsil cancer are:

  • Difficulty swallowing or chewing.

  • A sore throat that lasts long.

  • Fatigue.

  • Soreness on the back of the throat.

  • Hoarseness.

  • Ear pain, especially in one ear.

  • Voice changes.

  • Blood in the saliva.

  • Red or white patch on the tonsil.

  • Difficulty consuming drinks and citric foods.

  • Persistent earache.

  • Unexplained weight loss.

  • Swelling in the throat or neck.

What Are the Different Stages of Tonsil Cancer?

The stages of tonsil cancer are categorized below.

  • Stage 0: In this stage, the condition has not yet developed into cancer, and only precancerous cells are identified.

  • Localized: In the localized type, the tumor is less than two centimeters in size, and is confined in the tonsils only. It is also referred to as stage 1 cancer.

  • Regional: The size of the cancer is noted to be more than two centimeters but less than four centimeters. Involvement of lymph nodes are noted. Sometimes, the epiglottis is also affected.

  • Distant: In the distant stage, cancer spreads to distant organs also. This might involve jawbones, liver, and lungs.

How Is Tonsil Cancer Diagnosed?

The diagnostic procedures for tonsil cancer involve the following.

  • Clinical Examination of the Neck and Throat: The doctor will use a mouth mirror or appropriate instruments to examine the throat and mouth condition. Doctor will also perform a physical examination by touching the involved site from outside. This will help in diagnosing the enlargement of lymph nodes.

  • Biopsy: The suspicious area is identified, and then a small part of the tissue is removed by the doctor. The sample is tested for any pathological conditions. Histological examination is thoroughly performed.

  • Blood Test: A complete blood cell count is estimated to find any abnormalities.

  • Urine Test: A urine test might help in identifying the presence of microorganisms in the body.

  • Laryngoscopy: In laryngoscopy, a tiny camera is used to view the structure of the throat. The images can be easily obtained, which will be helpful for examination.

What Are the Treatment Options for Tonsil Cancer?

If the tonsil cancer is in a precancerous state, it can be easily removed with minor surgery. Other stages might require the following treatment options.

  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a very powerful treatment option as it uses appropriate chemotherapeutic drugs that are helpful in killing cancer cells. They also cause shrinkage of the tumor so that it can be easily removed. Some patients are recommended to take chemotherapy treatment along with radiation therapy.

  • Radiation Therapy: Radiotherapy can be used to reduce the size of the tumor with the help of high-energy radiation beams.

  • Surgery: The aim of the surgery is to remove the complete cancerous tissue. It is a helpful method for all stages of tonsil cancer. Transoral surgery is the most recommended treatment option. In some patients, a large incision is made to remove the tumor and other related lymph nodes. Rehabilitation protocol and reconstructive surgery are required for patients who have difficulty eating and speaking. These complications of surgical options might make a person need additional support. This might include:

    • Tracheotomy.

    • Feeding tube to supply nutrition.

    • Jaw reconstruction.

    • Dietary and other counseling.

    • Dental implants.

    • Speech and language therapy.

    • Esthetic surgery.

How to Prevent Tonsil Cancer?

  • The first and foremost step required to prevent tonsil cancer is to quit the habit of smoking. Usage of marijuana and other tobacco products should be completely avoided. Chewing tobacco or using snuffing products as an alternative for cigarettes should be avoided. It is essential to understand and be aware that cigarettes are the main cause for tonsil cancer.

  • The safety of an individual is very important. Do not stay around smokers or in areas where people commonly smoke. This type of passive smoking also can increase the chance of the occurrence of cancer.

  • If your sexual partner is diagnosed with human papillomavirus infection, then it is recommended to refrain from sex with them. Usage of condoms does not provide 100 percent protection against viral infection. It is also good to avoid oral sex. Multiple sexual relationships should be restricted.

  • Having a medical and dental checkup on a regular basis will help you be aware of your body condition. In case of any life-threatening condition, the disease can be sorted out in a much earlier stage.

  • Young children and adults should get vaccinated for human papillomavirus.

What Is the Prognosis for Tonsil Cancer?

Leading a normal life with tonsil cancer can be difficult. The patient has to understand their condition very well so that it can be helpful for the doctors to treat them very easily. A minimum of five years survival rate is predicted after the diagnosis is made. Patients who are known to be positive for human papillomavirus have a 71 percent survival rate for tonsil cancer. Patients whose cause cannot be detected show a survival rate of 26 percent. The prognosis for non-smokers is relatively good compared to smokers. The other factors that determine the rate of prognosis are:

  • Age of the patient.

  • Health condition of the patient.

  • Type of tumor.

For more help, contact icliniq.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Is Tonsil Cancer Fatal?

Tonsil cancer usually is not fatal. The treatment is most successful if the condition is detected and treated in the early stage. The prognosis of this tumor depends upon its association with human papillomavirus, as in patients with positive HPV status, the survival rate may decrease.

2.

Who Is at Risk for Tonsil Cancer?

The risk of tonsil cancer is mostly seen in people who have bad habits of alcohol and tobacco use. Other potential risk factors include infection or decreased immunity, such as the human papillomavirus infection.

3.

Is Tonsil Cancer Curable?

Surgery is the best option to treat tonsils. The surgeons can access the tonsils through the mouth and can remove the tonsils using lasers or other cutting tools. Other than that, chemotherapy or radiation therapy can also treat tonsil cancer.

4.

How to Detect Tonsil Cancer?

Tonsil cancer can be detected if the patient is experiencing the following signs and symptoms, such as -
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- Swelling in the neck.
- The sensation of something at the back of the throat.
- Pain in the neck.
- Ear ache.
- Jaw stiffness.

5.

Does Tonsil Cancer Progress Quickly?

Tonsil cancer is a rare form of cancer. It can develop quickly depending on whether the patient has high-grade or low-grade cancer, as high-grade cancers develop faster than low-grade ones. Therefore, early diagnosis is the essential step in successfully treating tonsil cancers.

6.

How Does Tonsil Cancer Spread?

Tonsils have a rich supply of lymphatic tissue, leading to easy metastases (spreading cancer cells from one place to another) to the lymph nodes. In the initial stage, the cancer cells may metastasize to the surrounding tissues of the oropharynx, including the base of the tongue, soft palate, and the posterior wall of the throat. 

7.

Can Tonsil Cancer Be Detected on Routine Dental Examination?

A dentist's routine work is to check the oral cavity. It is quite possible that they might detect oropharyngeal cancer. Therefore, they are often the first to spot the early signs of cancer. The dentists can refer the patient to a specialist if they suspect cancer.

8.

From Where Did Tonsil Cancer Start?

Tonsil cancer is the unusual growth of cells that form the tonsil. The tonsils are the two oval-shaped structures present at the back of the mouth and help the body in fighting infections alongside the immune system of the body. The early signs of cancer include difficulty swallowing and throat pain.

9.

At What Age Can a Person Get Tonsil Cancer?

Tonsil cancer can develop at any age. However, it is most commonly found in patients over the age of 50 years. Moreover, male patients are three to four times more likely to develop this condition than females.

10.

Can Tonsil Cancer Be Misdiagnosed?

In the initial stage, it might be difficult to detect tonsil cancer. The signs of tonsils are sore or irritated throat and inflamed tonsils, which can be easily misdiagnosed as other conditions such as tonsillitis, sore throat, or other viral infections. One of the most common signs is persistent sore throat for more than three weeks.
Source Article IclonSourcesSource Article Arrow
Dr. Prajakta Keluskar
Dr. Prajakta Keluskar

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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