Hi. I Have These Bumps In The Back Of My

Posted on Sun, 2 Jun 2019

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

Sun, 2 Jun 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I have these bumps in the back of my throat. I’ve been having a soar throat for a week. Now I just have painful swallowing in the morning and night. Beyond that no other symptoms. Just that the internet and google scare me and try to convince me I have cancer or herps etc. please ease my worry doctor!

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Definitely not cancer or herpes.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The image shows granular pharyngitis which gives a typical 'cobble stone' appearance to the back of the throat (posterior pharyngeal wall). There is also some redness / congestion.

2. This is a part of Waldeyer's ring of lymphoid (tonsil-like) tissue which guards the oral cavity and nasal airway. This lymphoid tissue reacts to local inflammation, infection or allergy.

3. It is not cancer or herpes. HPV can be tested to rule out subtypes 16 and 18.

4. The appearance of the throat varies from person to person. Whatever is non-symptomatic for a person is normal. Throat images are, therefore, one of the most common images shared online.

5. I would suggest routine sore throat medication (including a medicated oral rinse) from a local doctor, who may also do a throat swab, videolaryngoscopy or blood tests as required.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana