Lump on tonsil

[overthinkerella]

I did EXACTLY what you are doing now. I convinced myself I had stage 3 tonsil cancer. It was an ordeal that probably took years off my life just from stress. My partner had to watch me diagnose myself and actually break down from stress over it. I took constant pictures of my tonsils and then kept comparing them because I was sure it was getting bigger. After almost two years of this, and two endoscopeys from two different ENTs later, I finally had to admit to myself I didn't have throat cancer.

Save yourself the hell. Follow up with a doctor, sure, but start looking up and reading about health anxiety instead of cancer. HA anxiety is the real thing to address. It's the problem and it's hurting you.

Hi I know this is a bit late but can you share with me how the tonsil looked like, and was it only on one side or both?

I noticed one side of my tonsil seems to be bigger, and lumpier than the other. Having a mild sore throat for 4 days and am freaking out that it will be something worse like cancer.

 

[Fraser]

Hi I know this is a bit late but can you share with me how the tonsil looked like, and was it only on one side or both?

I noticed one side of my tonsil seems to be bigger, and lumpier than the other. Having a mild sore throat for 4 days and am freaking out that it will be something worse like cancer.

Sorry, I try not to provide medical reassurance on this site. What I would say is that having one tonsil bigger and lumpier than another another is very normal, as is having a sore throat for 4 days. If you are worried about it, see a healthcare professional. Your real problem, however, is likely health anxiety. What are you doing to treat that problem?

 

[MATD]

I’m usually comforted by this as well but now that I notice it’s gotten slightly bigger I’m back at square one

You aren’t back at square one, you are in the same place, believe the doctor or believe the voice of fear.

 

[overthinkerella]

Sorry, I try not to provide medical reassurance on this site. What I would say is that having one tonsil bigger and lumpier than another another is very normal, as is having a sore throat for 4 days. If you are worried about it, see a healthcare professional. Your real problem, however, is likely health anxiety. What are you doing to treat that problem?

thank you! it is scary when google says #1 symptom for tonsil cancer is having one tonsil bigger than the other. will probably go visit a doctor if the sore throat persist for another 2-3 days

 

[bin_tenn]

thank you! it is scary when google says #1 symptom for tonsil cancer is having one tonsil bigger than the other. will probably go visit a doctor if the sore throat persist for another 2-3 days

Google says a lot of things are the "#1 symptom" for this or that scary, exotic illness. The fact that it's a top symptom of something very rare doesn't make that bad thing any more likely.

 

[Fraser]

thank you! it is scary when google says #1 symptom for tonsil cancer is having one tonsil bigger than the other. will probably go visit a doctor if the sore throat persist for another 2-3 days

A headache is a common symptom of a brain tumor. That doesn't mean that when you have a headache, you have a brain tumor.

 

[Kingdoey]

thank you! it is scary when google says #1 symptom for tonsil cancer is having one tonsil bigger than the other. will probably go visit a doctor if the sore throat persist for another 2-3 days

My rule now is if something persists for two weeks i go and see doctor.
Worrying will only make it worse. Trust me I know what it is like. See how you are in a few days. If concerned get a professional opinion. Also stop the googling. That takes you down a bad path... good luck

 

[overthinkerella]

My rule now is if something persists for two weeks i go and see doctor.
Worrying will only make it worse. Trust me I know what it is like. See how you are in a few days. If concerned get a professional opinion. Also stop the googling. That takes you down a bad path... good luck

thats a good rule to live by actually! Thanks for the tips.
Agree that googling doesnt help. Trying to stop. haha

 

[Phillies Phan]

Things like post nasal drip, allergies and even dry air can cause chronic throat pain. Tonsil, and oropharynx cancer basically comes from giving oral sex. While even 1 partner raises risk (compared to someone whose number is zero, and hence virtually impossible, the risk is highest with 6+ such partners and then, it’s relatively uncommon.

 

[overthinkerella]

Things like post nasal drip, allergies and even dry air can cause chronic throat pain. Tonsil, and oropharynx cancer basically comes from giving oral sex. While even 1 partner raises risk (compared to someone whose number is zero, and hence virtually impossible, the risk is highest with 6+ such partners and then, it’s relatively uncommon.

ahh.. sometimes it does feel that the nose is congested too! will try usual nasal spray the nx few days. thanks for the advice!