Swollen sore tonsil and ear ache - worried

Hi, I'm a 28 female and have some serious concerns about tonsil cancer. My healthy, non smoking dad has recently been diagnosed with tongue cancer and is currently undergoing treatment, so I feel like this also might be elevating my own health worries :/ 

 

For a few years I have been to the drs a few times over right-side neck pain concerns, alongside a lump on the right side of my neck too, and have always been reassured by GPs that it is muscular. However, over the past few months, my right tonsil has become swollen (about double the size of the left), inflamed looked and sore. I've been using a numbing spray when it gets bad, and if I turn my head far to the right, it really feels uncomfortable. I've also experienced some earache, also just on the right side. I'm starting to get increasinggly worried it could be something sinister. The left side (ear, throat and neck) is all completely fine. 
 

Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms? I don't have any other health conditions, and other than my sore tonsil and on-off ear and neck pain, I feel fine in myself. I'm honestly thinking the worst though. I had a really bad bought of tonsillitis about 3 years ago, and I've been trying to convince myself it's linked to that (as I do recall it mostly effected my right tonsil) but I'm very doubtful that's the case.

 

I've got a GP appointment booked for Monday, in which I really want to get across how anxious and upset this is making me daily. But in the meantime, I'd really appreciate it if anyone has had or has similar symptoms and can share some advice or positivity about it, as I'm so worried. 

 

Thank you, Sophie 

  • Hi there. 

     

    Im not a doctor so can’t advise on anything really. 

     

    Ive been having similar symptoms as you. Just can’t get my head around it. Pain that comes and goes around tonsil area. Left tonsil larger than right for some time now.  Some pain at back of tongue. Mild ear pain. ( sometimes have to press on ears to get them to feel better). Had an array of bloods done. All came back fine. Now waiting on an ent referral the past 3 weeks with no letter yet. 

     

    if you could keep updated I’d appreciate it 

     

    kind regards...

  • I have exactly the same symptoms as you, any updates?

     

  • Hi there

     

    im sorry to hear your concerns. 
    personally i had enough of waiting for referrals so I went private to be checked. Everything turned out fine in the end. There was nothing to be found and although my tonsil looks the same to today, my symptoms have mostly gone. I get a sharp pain in my tongue from time to time still but have learned to live with it as I trust the professionals have found nothing of concern. 
     

    I wish you all the best.