What Causes Swollen Tonsils?

Posted on Thu, 5 Mar 2015

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

Thu, 5 Mar 2015 Answered on

Thu, 2 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : hello, I have a question pertaining to a swollen tonsil.

Answered by Dr. Naveen (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
According to your history, I doubt malignancy...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

I have gone through the history and understood your problem. First of all, I would like to reassure you that many individuals do have unilateral enlargement of tonsils and it's perfectly normal. It's rare to see an unilateral enlargement of tonsil turning out to be a malignancy.

The commonest symptoms and signs are low grade fever, weight loss, night sweats, recurrent attacks of throat pain, altered blood counts, etc. If you are very apprehensive, get the tonsils removed and tested for malignancy.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Naveen (57 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX I do not smoke and only drink socially, could it be swollen due to an impacted ear? I have no pain in my throat or trouble swallowing..etc. I dont even see my left tonsil.

I am going to an ENT on Monday.

Answered by Dr. Naveen (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No the tonsillar swelling is not due to wax impact

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

The enlargement of the tonsil is not due to the impacted wax. There is no relation between either of them.

Do not worry! You don't have any symptoms suggestive of tonsil malignancy.

Hope this clarifies your doubts.

Wish you good health

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta