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Worried about swollen tonsils

FloraNerd
Offline

Hello,

This year I've dealt with chronic tonsillitis which has flared up 8 times in the last 10 months. I've noticed that over August and September that it never fully went away but wasn't really bothering me until this week as my left tonsil became painful again. My right tonsil has no pain but is enlarged and has lumps on it (not white). 
 

A quick Google search later and the C word pops up instantly prompting worry. I wondered if this would be worth getting checked out as my tonsillitis has always been dismissed in the past so much so that I stopped going to the gp about it. 

  • Hello and thanks for your post

    I'm sorry to read about your ongoing tonsilitis symptoms. Only a doctor can make a medical assessment, so we always encourage people to make an appointment see their GP if their symptoms are persisting. Doctors are trained to assess symptoms and can arrange further tests if they feel it’s necessary.

    I think a lot of people with new or ongoing symptoms worry about cancer. But for most symptoms there are a lot of other potential explanations and usually it is more likely that something else is the matter.

    Try if you can to stop googling your symptoms as the information online is general and not specific to you. It cannot replace the information that a doctor can give you after a medical assessment.

    I hope you know more about your situation soon. Give us a ring if you want to talk things through. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

  • Offline

    Hi

    saw your post and thought I'd reply as I have had similar to you. I noticed my tonsil was enlarged when doing a covid test around a year ago so it prompted me to call my doctor.

    Since then I have had it looked a few times now (camera up the nose, physical examination etc) and nothing sinister is suspected. The last doctor I saw could sense my anxiety and asked if I'd like a scan for reassurance and of course I said yes! But he didn't seem concerned at all.

     

    I suppose what I'm trying to say is sometimes these things have no known course. And despite what Google tells us about one sided enlarged tonsils being the dreaded C, it's not always the case. 

    All the best x

  • Offline in reply to Tasha89

    Hi hope your scan went ok? Is your tonsil still enlarged ? Xx

  • in reply to catmum12345

    Hello, catmum12345 and thanks for posting,

    I am not sure if you will get a reply to your questions as no one has posted on this thread for a while. Just to say if you have any health worries do see your GP and get their input. This is usually the best way to get properly assessed and hopefully to put your mind at rest. 

    We can't diagnose anyone, but if you would like to talk to us our Freephone number is 0808 800 4040 and we are around weekdays from 9-5. 

    Wishing you the best,

    Julia

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