On what factors should tonsillitis be evaluated for cancer?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

In the picture you sent(attachment removed to protect patient identity), the right looks quite big compared to the left. The left does not even appear to be there. Now whether you need to get it evaluated for cancer will depend on certain factors. 1. Your age - as I see, you are 32 years, and so cancer is less likely. 2. Smoking, chewing tobacco - chances are that you may be doing either of these, but it could be an issue if you have been doing it for many years. 3. Lymphoma and other cancers - possible at your age. 4. Symptoms - foremost importantly, what symptoms do you have due to the tonsil? If an evaluation has to be done, it is usually tonsillectomy surgery, and then we send the tonsil for a pathological examination. This is done under general anesthesia. If you are without any symptoms, then I suggest you to reconsider the thought of getting an evaluation for cancer by removing the tonsils. However, getting a blood evaluation done will help. Do revert back if you need any support.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, it would have gotten worse over a year, if it were sinister. The blood work would have picked up the sort of cancer that we suspect clinically when someone of your age has a unilateral big tonsil without any symptoms. But for confirmation, a biopsy is always needed. But in the case of tonsils, biopsy means the surgical removal of the tonsil.