Could my tonsil lesion indicate oral cancer at 65?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have a small lesion in my right tonsil. It is the same color as the other tissues in my mouth. It is a kind of slim oval shape. My dermatologist advised me to visit my physician after I went for a mucous cyst removal on my lip. I visited my GP, who said it is the same as a lip cyst, probably from hot liquids or chips due to irritation. I do not remember eating or drinking anything that could cause it.

My fear is that my cousin has had tongue cancer twice. He smoked and drank a lot and was in his 50s when diagnosed. But I never smoke, drink only a little alcohol, I am free of the HPV virus, and I am 65 years old. I want to put my mind at rest. I have attached a picture. You can see it in the picture close to the red line on the right side of the tonsil. Please tell me, how can I manage it?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First thing, I would like to tell you is that on appearance, it does not look like cancer. But what you feel with your fingers is more important than what you see.

This means that a normal appearing smooth swelling can be a cancer, especially in elderly people, if it is indurated on palpation. If you have any other symptoms or any swelling in neck, then there is a reason to worry.

You can get the following investigation done:

The only way is to take a biopsy, also known as a histopathology examination.
Nowadays, a PET (positron emission tomography) scan is also helpful, but still, a biopsy remains the gold standard.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Induration is a feeling of firmness that may be painful on touching. You do not seem to have that as per your description of findings. I can suggest that you wait for two weeks. Suppose swelling remains the same; nothing to worry about. Just keep observing the swelling. If it decreases in size with no increase or no new onset of pain or no new symptoms, then just relax. If there is no change in two months, then reassess after six months.

Cancer will show changes in at least two months, and benign swelling will show in at least six months. Even then, if there is no such change, then I can guarantee that it is neither cancer nor any benign swelling.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.