When should I be concerned about tonsil cancer?

At later stages, there are enlarged lymph nodes or cysts in the neck and maybe ear pain. As a general rule, any time someone is thought to have a tonsil infection and antibiotics don’t work, doctors should consider tonsil cancer.

Can tonsil cancer symptoms come and go?

Symptoms may also come and go. Persistent doesn’t always mean constant. For example, you may have a sore throat for a week, and then it goes away for a few days, and then returns.

Can enlarged tonsils be cancerous?

The most common symptom of tonsil cancer is an enlarged tonsil. If both tonsils are swollen or enlarged, the problem is less likely to be tonsil cancer, but you should still speak with your doctor about your condition. Other tonsil cancer symptoms include: hoarseness.

Do you feel ill with throat cancer?

The most common symptoms are persistent hoarseness, a sore throat lasting longer than four to six weeks, and trouble swallowing. A sore throat associated with ear pain is another worrisome symptom.

Can only one tonsil be infected?

Tonsillitis describes inflammation of one or more tonsil. The tonsils are located at the back of the throat, and a virus or bacterium usually causes the infection and inflammation. An infection in just one tonsil can cause pain on one side. It may also cause a fever, trouble swallowing, and noisy breathing.

Can tonsils turn cancerous?

Cancer can develop in your tonsils. Tonsil cancer is classified as head and neck cancer, throat cancer, and oropharynx cancer. Tonsil cancer can develop even in people who’ve had their tonsils removed because a small piece of tonsil tissue may be left behind.

Does a tonsil biopsy hurt?

As the biopsy is performed under anesthesia or sedation, there is minimal pain and discomfort during the procedure. Patients experience throat pain, soreness, hoarseness of voice, or pain while swallowing after the anesthesia wears off. This pain usually resolves in a week.

How long do tonsil biopsy results take?

A result can often be given within 2 to 3 days after the biopsy. A result that requires a more complicated analysis can take 7 to 10 days. Ask your doctor how you will receive the biopsy results and who will explain them to you.

What can be mistaken for throat cancer?

Several other conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those of throat cancer. These conditions include: upper respiratory infections. gastroesophageal reflux disease.

What can happen if tonsillitis is left untreated?

If tonsillitis is left untreated, a complication can develop called a peritonsillar abscess. This is an area around the tonsils that’s filled with bacteria, and it can cause these symptoms: Severe throat pain. Muffled voice.

Can you get tonsil cancer if you have had your tonsils removed?

Whether people have had their tonsils removed or not, they still might develop tonsil cancer and should be educated about the disease. Answering questions about tonsil cancer is Ann Gillenwater, M. D., professor in Head and Neck Surgery at MD Anderson.

How long does it take to recover from a tonsillectomy?

This operation was much more complex, took around 4 hours and recovery was very difficult to say the least. Around a week later again I was told the cancer had originated in my left tonsil (HPV+) and found in a further 4 lymph nodes.

What is the life expectancy of someone with HPV-positive tonsil cancer?

People with HPV-positive tonsil cancer have a 5-year “disease-free” survival rate of 85\% to 90\%. Disease-free survival means they have no signs of cancer during the 5 years after their diagnosis. It’s important to know that all these numbers come from studies that were done a few years ago.

What are the treatment options for HPV-related tonsil cancer?

Tonsil cancer treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Researchers are studying whether people with HPV -related tonsil cancer can be treated with lower doses of radiation and chemotherapy.