Do bumps near tonsils indicate pharyngitis or HPV infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

A few nights ago, I noticed some bump-like changes next to the side of my tongue and near my tonsils.

I went to see an otorhinolaryngologist, and he said I have acute pharyngitis and slightly inflamed tonsils, nothing more. Everything else is normal.

I am just worried because I had an HPV infection two years ago and want to check it again. I have a picture.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

From the attached photo (attachments are removed to protect the patient’s identity), the bump you noticed next to the side of your tongue can often be normal lymphoid tissue, inflamed tissue from pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx), or normal anatomical structures that become more noticeable when the throat is irritated.

HPV (human papillomavirus)-related lesions usually have a wart-like or cauliflower-like appearance.

Unfortunately, the photo is not close enough to assess its shape. There is no routine HPV test for the mouth or throat. Oral HPV testing is not generally used for screening because it does not reliably predict cancer risk or guide treatment.

In cases where a lesion does not resolve itself, grow, or is suspicious in appearance, the proper course of action would be a biopsy, which is defined as the removal of a small sample of cells, tissue, or fluid for microscopic examination.

You should return to your ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist or dentist if this bump remains unchanged for more than two to three weeks after the pharyngitis resolves, if it becomes larger, bleeds, ulcerates, or becomes painful, or if you develop difficulty swallowing or persistent ear pain on one side.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.