I have a tiny swelling beside the uvula. Should I worry?

Question

Hello doctor,

Last week, I had two specialists check me for throat discomfort. Both suggested antihistamines and proton pump inhibitors. I also had wisdom tooth surgery the same week, and now my inflammation has subsided after antibiotics and NSAIDs with serratiopeptidase. I had been anxious and was told to have a cancer phobia by doctors.

However, yesterday, while inspecting my mouth, I discovered a tiny lump-like swelling just beside the uvula. It is almost the same color as the mucosa, or maybe very slightly yellowish. It does not pain or bleed on touch, but I can feel it as a grain on touch. I have attached a picture.

I am very worked up, and I need your help. It is painless and about the same color as the mucous membrane. It is the size of a tiny grain. I am currently taking Pantoprazole and Losartan.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The swelling that you are looking at is just a tiny bit of lymphoid tissue, probably part of the tonsils, which are present on both sides of the throat. Usually, the possible causes for such lymphoid tissue enlargement are an infection and sometimes laryngopharyngeal reflux, which is a type of acidity-related disorder. I will assure you that it is not cancer, and it does not even warrant any further investigations for the presence of cancer.

Our throat has thousands of tiny lymphoid aggregates, and they can get enlarged during inflammation for many reasons. You need to continue with antireflux medications such as Pantoprazole with Domperidone for a week, as I think in your case, the reason for lymphoid tissue enlargement seems to be laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Hope I have addressed all of your queries and concerns.

Do follow up whenever needed.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity). I stand by my opinion. Your uvula is edematous, and a granular pharynx in the picture just confirms my diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux. It cannot be malignancy, as features of malignancy are different. I advise you to take antireflux medications two times daily on an empty stomach for at least ten days.

Hope I have addressed all of your queries and concerns.

Do follow up whenever needed.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.