HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)pharynx examinationI have severe swelling and soreness on left side of throat. Could it be due to HPV infection?

Will HPV infection cause esophageal cancer?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At February 6, 2020
Reviewed AtJanuary 19, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Just over a week ago, I developed severe swelling and soreness on the left side of my throat, particularly at the base of my tongue. My left ear is also in a lot of pain. Swallowing is extremely difficult and I went to see local urgent care where they prescribed me with Amoxicillin 500 mg and said it was most likely pharyngitis even though I have not had tonsils for many years. My main concern, even though it is a worse case scenario, is esophageal cancer through HPV can occur, as my girlfriend was recently diagnosed with HPV. Again, I know this is the worst case scenario, but since she was diagnosed I really been concerned about HPV-related cancers. From what I read and what I've been told, there are no real tests to check in men for HPV and even though there is the vaccine it is not recommended for men ages 26 to 45 years. I have already been taking Amoxicillin for about four days now and nothing improves. I have also tried taking regular over the counter cough drops and gargling with salt water. This has not helped at all either I have also been told that throat cancer from HPV can usually be spotted unless you have lesions in your oral area. Right now I am at a loss of what I really need to do? Any help or advice would seriously be appreciated. I am also under Amlodipine 5 mg.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your problem can be due to pharyngitis. It is possible that Amoxicillin is not effective enough in your case. You may need some other antibiotics. I want to see your throat myself. Can you send me a picture of your throat? (I should be able to see posterior pharyngeal wall and tonsils). We can think of HPV-related problems only after ruling out other infections. Did you lose your weight? Are you having any swelling in the neck (lymph node enlargement)? The only way of ruling out HPV-related oral cancers is by taking an oral biopsy. Before concluding anything please send me a picture of your throat. I will be able to guide you in a better way.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

As I said, I have not had tonsils since I was 12 and I have not really checked my weight although I have not lost any appetite. The doctor at the urgent care said that I had a swollen lymph node on the left side of my neck but that I was movable as a lymph node from cancer was more fixed in place. No fever or nausea or vomiting has occurred since it began and it had only started after I felt a small pain on the left side at the base of the tongue. I can actually reach a finger back in my throat and feel the sore area. I have sent pictures of my throat just taken as well.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Your throat is infected. From the tonsils, one can make out the leash of blood vessels over both. The ones over the left tonsil and over the left anterior pillar are fiercer looking. That is the reason for the pain and the swollen lymph node. Nodes drain out infected lymph and act as checkpoints before letting the infection further downward. In your case, we must take a throat swan and institute the most appropriate antibiotic. You can change it to a Z pack if that is OTC there. Later, when the results of the culture sensitivity come we can change the antibiotic again if need be. Try taking dilute Benzydamine gargles. They are superior to plain warm saline gargles. Take an anti-inflammatory medicine like Trypsin Chymotrypsin Bromelain Rutopside combination. This will help remove the congestion and soreness. Take Tylenol as and when you have pain. Give it a few days and you will be fine. If then also you are not then let us go for an upper GI (gastrointestinal) endoscopy. That can pick up any suspicious lesions and we can biopsy the same in the same sitting.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shyam Kalyan. N
Dr. Shyam Kalyan. N

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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