HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)sore throatI am having constant sore throats. What could it be?

Do constant sore throats, extreme fatigue, and swollen neck indicate tonsil cancer?

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Published At May 23, 2017
Reviewed AtFebruary 6, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have had sore throats on and off for a couple of years now. One of my tonsils is bigger than the other. I have not been feeling well lately. I get constant sore throats, extreme fatigue, headaches, swollen right side of the neck, some minor difficulty swallowing, a low-grade fever, and not hearing well. I have been beyond tired. Recently, I have had things that look like mouth ulcers. I am worried about tonsil cancer. Does this look like it? I am currently taking Zoloft and Adderall.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Chronic tonsillitis is a recurrent infection of the tonsils. Tonsils are lymphoid tissue present in the throat. They act as drainage points of various structures in the throat. When they get infected, they cause pain, soreness, headache, fever, and malaise. Tonsils drain into jugulodigastric nodes in the neck. Hence, an infection swells up the neck nodes as well. Malignancy will cause loss of appetite, loss of weight, in addition to a lack of fever or pain. Unilateral tonsil swelling points towards cancer. However, in your case, the findings of congestion in tonsils, congested anterior pillars, congested pharyngeal structures, and swollen nodes point towards tonsillitis rather than cancer. In tonsillectomy surgery, we remove both tonsils using coblation or radiofrequency or laser. In my set up, we use coblation, which causes least bleeding and easy recovery. The post-operative pain is also very less. Recovery is faster. When the tonsils are removed, we send it for a histopathological examination, where we observe the contents under a microscope and check for characteristics. After that, it becomes clear what the swelling is, whether it is infective, inflammatory or cancerous. The post-operative period requires you stay at home for a couple of days, avoid spicy foods, avoid smoke and alcohol and do gargles twice daily. The postoperative measures differ slightly in each hospital, but the basic principles are the same. I hope you have understood what I have explained. Do revert if you need any help regarding anything. You will get better soon.

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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