Suggest Treatment For A Lump In The Throat

Posted on Wed, 25 Jan 2017

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

Wed, 25 Jan 2017 Answered on

Fri, 17 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I've noticed that my tonsils are irregular with bumps/lumps all over - they have a shape of a rasbperry. I had a sore throat a couple of weeks ago and pain in my ear. I felt pretty sick. Now the tonsils are not sore but look swollen with those bubbles/bumps. Is it something to be worried about? I'm a 33 yo white female. I dont smoke but I drink wine mostly.

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
chronic hypertrophied tonsils. tonsillectomy.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
thanks for your query.

I saw the pics you had sent. Your tonsils are enlarged and look quite congested. It suggests of chronic hypertrophied to tonsils. This happens because of chronic infection of tonsils. Bumps and lumps are common structure of tonsils. But are more enhanced in case of infection. Nothing to worry now, but you may develop repeated sore throat and infection of tonsils.

White patch over the tonsil are called follicles which suggests repeated infection. Size of tonsils is also quite big which may cause snoring and voice change.

I would suggest you to do Betadine gargling twice daily. Keep good oral hygiene. Avoid oily and cold items. Drink boiled water only. And suggest you to get your tonsils operated and removed. You can consult with the doctor and discuss my view with him.

Hope my answers have helped you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Deepashree (56 minutes later)

Thank you. I was very worried that I developed tonsils cancer. The ENT doctor couldn't give me a specific diagnosis as he only said tonsils were enlarged , irregular and looked abnormal and suggested either monitoring them or removing them. Does stress cause enlargement of tonsils? I've been stressing out a lot recently. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do not worry.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for your follow up query. No tonsil doesn't look cancerous. Stress reduces immunity a nd that cause tonsils infection. Don't worry. Exercise to release your stress. Maintain your diet and eat healthy. Take care. Hope my answers have helped you. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Deepashree (14 minutes later)

Thank you doctor, just one more question regarding the size/shape of my tonsils.

So the left one has those pulps hanging out and lots of irregularities, the right one is a bit bigger, doesn't have those pulps sticking out but there is a lot of irregularities and nodules and there is a purple patch behind it. Is that caused by infection?

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
irregularities are common.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
thanks for your query.

Yes the purple patch can be because of infection.

Thanks for your query.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Deepashree (34 hours later)

2 days ago I started taking antibiotics but the tonsils still look the same. Will I see any improvement ?

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
acute infection antibiotics help.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for your query. Antibiotics help in acute infection, and for chronic infection it's surgery the answer. Since u have started antibiotics complete the course. Hope my answers have helped you. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng