Cancer Research UK main site

Teenage Tonsil cancer?

Ella15
Offline

Hi I have a fourteen year old son and he has a lump on one of his tonsils He has had it for the past two months and it's not getting smaller.When I look it up it says lymphoma or tonsil cancer, he has very low Appetite and night sweats.I hope it's just a swollen tonsil but I can't help and listen to google.is it cancer?

  • Offline

    Hi Ella15,

    If you haven't already, please read the disclaimer at the bottom. 

    I can understand why you'd naturally be very anxious about an unusual lump appearing. Please be assured that tonsillar cancer is very rare in young people, but of course it's best to check to put your mind at rest. I'm glad to hear it is now reducing in size. I know it's hard, but please avoid googling anything, it really won't get you any closer to an answer and will just give you even more to worry about! In the first instance, give his GP a call and explain that they lump is persistent and you are concerned. I'm sure they would be more than happy to suggest something to help or even see him in person to consdier if they need to investigate further.

    DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional. I work as a cancer coordinator in the NHS & have familiarity with many cancer processes. I am not qualified to offer clinical advice & if you require this you should always seek a qualified professional. My advice is offered on a personal basis only.

  • Offline in reply to theseday2617

    hi theseday2617,

     

    i am 15 my left tonsil has been enlarged since august 2020,possibly before (august is when I first noticed it) its growing in size and I had a doctors appointment over livi. obviously its hard to tell over video call, they told me I have tonsilitis. i definitely don't. i went on antibiotics and they didn't do anything. the next doctor said it is a tonsil absess (sorry i cant remember the exact name or spelling). they sent me to another doctor in real life who told me that it was neither of those. it could be lymphoma. I'm having a tonsillectomy on the 10th so they can study it and work out what it is.

     

    I'm sorry to ask but could you convey any help in, if it is (IF) what kind of support should I be reaching out to?

     

    thank you so much, have a great day

     

    katie.

  • Offline in reply to katiemingo

    that sounds very similar to me, i was put on antibiotics a few months back for "tonsilitis" and as that didnt work they told me it was a tonsil abcess, the tonsil has grown signifficantly in size so i went back and have been urgently reffered to a specialist 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.