Can throat cancer be mistaken for tonsillitis?

At first, tonsil cancer may be difficult to identify. A sore, irritated throat or swollen, inflamed tonsils may be mistaken for tonsillitis, strep throat, or other common viral ailments. Other warning signs include: Persistent sore throat (longer than three weeks)

How do I know if I have tonsil cancer?

What are the symptoms of tonsil cancer? The number one symptom is asymmetrical tonsils, having one tonsil larger than the other. Another symptom is a persistent sore throat. At later stages, there are enlarged lymph nodes or cysts in the neck and maybe ear pain.

Can tonsil cancer be misdiagnosed?

Unfortunately, many physicians make the error of misdiagnosing tonsil cancer as adenoiditis or tonsillitis, which are two less serious illnesses. If the cancer is misdiagnosed or is not treated promptly or at all, it can result in serious complications or even death.

Are white spots on tonsils cancerous?

When white spots appear on the tonsils, they may present as blotches or streaks. They may also contain pus. The most common symptom that occurs is a sore throat. White spots on the tonsils usually indicate an infection.

Can tonsillitis lead to cancer?

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.

Can a throat abscess be cancer?

Peritonsillar abscess is generally seen as a complication of acute tonsillitis in young subjects. It may, however, in rare cases reveal a malignant pharyngeal tumor. We report a rare case of undifferentiated carcinoma revealed by a peritonsillar abscess in a child.

Can you get peritonsillar abscess without tonsils?

Rarely, people can develop peritonsillar abscesses without tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is most prevalent among children, while peritonsillar abscesses are most common in young adults. These abscesses are rare after a person has had their tonsils removed, though they can still occur.

Is tonsilitis different from sore throat?

Unlike a common sore throat, tonsillitis is a severe infection of the tonsils that stems from bacteria or a virus. Sufferers may experience extreme pain in their throat, as well as having difficulty swallowing.

Can your tonsils look different?

It’s common for some people to have uneven tonsils, so talk to your primary care provider about any changes in your tonsils. Other signs and symptoms include: A sore on the tonsil that won’t heal. Persistent sore throat.

What are the signs of bad tonsils?

Drooling due to difficult or painful swallowing

What causes cancer in the tonsils?

Also known as “palatine tonsils,” they help the body recognize and defend itself against germs. Tobacco use is a leading cause of tonsil cancer. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is another cause a tonsil cancer.

What are the symptoms of cancer of the tonsils?

hoarseness or a change in your speaking voice

Can tonsils become cancerous?

Of these three sets of tonsils, the palatine tonsils are the most likely to become malignant (cancerous). You will notice that some symptoms of tonsil cancer are very similar to symptoms of strep throat. However, strep throat is most common in people ages 5 to 15 years, while tonsil cancer most commonly affects people over the age of 50. 2