Hi I Have Noticed A Small White Dot On My

Posted on Mon, 23 Mar 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I have noticed a small white dot on my right tonsil. I noticed it about 2 weeks ago. It is about 1mm in size. I have no pain or other symtpoms. I am fit and healthy. 36 year old male. I do not smoke. I do not drink excessively. What could it be? Is it something to worry about? photos attached. I have highlighted the area and zoomed in. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Common. No cause for worry.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. When we swallow, our palatine tonsils rub against the food bolus and pick up food particles. This food debris decays there while it is analysed for antigens, foreign bodies and organisms by the lymphoid tissue which forms the bulk of the tonsils. Below the age of five years, this is especially important in the development of immunity.

2. The small white spot is a concretion of food particles and pus lodged in the natural crypts of the palatine tonsils.

3. No active treatment is required. Some people use a medicated gargle occasionally or just warm saline gargles daily.

4. Sometimes, such spots can represent a mild yeast or fungal infection. Hence a direct examination by a lo cal specialist is recommended.

I hope I have answered your query. Please reply back with the answers and I will be able to help you further.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T