Asymmetric tonsil, swollen gland and persistent sore throat

Hi, 

 

This is a bit of a long story, but I'll try and keep it short. I just wondered if there was anyone on here who had been through anything similar? 

 

I started to get a sore throat not long after lockdown. I put it down to stress as there were no signs of infection from looking at my throat. Then some white spots appeared on my right tonsil. I obviously couldn't see a doctor, but, i was given penicillin over the phone and the symptoms cleared up. A few weeks later the pain came back, as did the white spots on the right tonsil. I was given another prescription and told to call if it didn't help. It didn't, so I called back and got to see a doctor this time. It was discovered that I had tonsil stones, but he also pointed out that my left tonsil was enlarged and referred me to ENT. He said he didn't think it was cancer, but just to be on the safe side. This immediately alarmed me. 

 

I saw ENT last Friday and he looked at my throat and felt my tonsils and neck. He said that my left tonsil is enlarged and hard and that I have a swollen gland in my neck. Its the one that normally swells when you have an infection in your throat. He said it could either be a tonsil stone which has got stuck or tonsil cancer. These seem like very frightening odds to me. I'm 34. I'm awaiting an MRI on Sunday to see what's going on. I still have the sore throat and the location and severity of the pain changes daily. The tonsil that is swollen is not the one that I have previously seen stones in. So, that makes me more worried. He did tell me that on paper he thinks its a stone, but if its cancer they have to come out straight away. I'm consumed with anxiety over the whole thing. I just wondered if anyone has or has had similar symtoms and how they got on please?? Thank you 

  • Hi Par123,

     

    Sorry to hear you’re going through this. I’m also in a similar position to you in that I’m awaiting an MRI from an ENT consultation (and I’m 37). I was referred to ENT under the two week wait after persistent earache since April (I’ve had antibiotics and a spray) and then a raised gland in my neck (I haven’t had a sore throat and not sure what I’m looking at when I try and inspect my tonsils!) The GP didn’t look in my throat and my ENT consultantion was via a phone call. 

    Sometimes it feels hard to swallow but I’m not sure if thats caused by me being anxious. 

    I just want the MRI over with so I know where I stand.

    Sorry I can’t offer any advice but just wanted you to know that you’re not alone. I hope you get the results you want. Did they say how long you’d have to wait?

     

    X

  • Hi CC22, 

     

    Thanks so much for your reply. I'm sorry to hear that you are also anxiously waiting. Do you have a date for your MRI yet? Its frustrating doing all of this over the phone isnt it! Thankfully after a phone consultation I then got to see ENT. 

     

    I have noticed that all of the focus on my throat sometimes makes things feel worse. If I'm distracted, then I dont notice it so much. 

     

    My MRI is Sunday and the ENT doctor said he would call within a couple of days with the results. I'm dreading call and being caught off guard with potentially awful news whilst home with my 2 children x

  •  

    I also have children and they’re all I can think about.

    My scan is on Monday. I feel sick at the thought of the phonecall. 

    x

  • I know exactly how you feel. I really hope all goes well for you. Let me know how you get on. How old are your children? x

  • I'm in a similar situation, had a croaky voice but no cold/flu. Talked to GP, fast forwarded to hospital for chest x-ray, consultant wasn't too concerned with x-ray, but wanted a CT scan of chest and neck to be sure. Should be getting a call tomorrow. Tonsil/gland on one side is swollen, but it's so tricky to tell what sensations are real and what is driven by anxiety and my imagination.

     

    Hope it all goes well for you.

  • My children are 1,3,4,10 & 12. How old are yours? Will be thinking of you tomorrow. Sorry that you’re going through similar PT72 - I hope all goes well for you too. x
  • Do you have any throat pain PT72? Sorry to hear you are going through something similar. Is it the results of the CT scan you are getting tomorrow? I hope all goes well. Let us know x

  • CC22 They are 7 & 4. I'm one of 5 too! I didnt think it at the time but its lovely to be part of a big family! 

     

    My scan isn't until Sunday. So couple more days of worry and waiting. I just want it to be next weekend already and everything be OK. 

     

    Good luck for Monday, let us know how you get on x

  •  

    People always say I’m mad for having 5. Family gatherings must be lovely for you, always lots going on! 

    Thinking today was Saturday! 

     

    x

  • Hi Par123,

     

    I hope you felt as comfortable and relaxed as could be today. 

     

    x