Cancer Research UK main site

Right tonsil bigger than left

Amb1711
Offline

Hello - 

I am 35 years old female with 2 kids. Before I was 25 and in a different country I had multiple episodes of tonsillitis and antibiotics courses. Since moving to the UK 9 years ago, the tonsillitis with fever and extreme sore throat and antibiotics episodes have finished BUT I have chronic sore throat and neck lymph nodes are swollen. The doctor did a swab test for bacterial infection which came negative but she did notice some white patches. They did not do any treatment because there was no bacterial infection and left it.

 

From 4 weeks I have right TMJ Joint pain. Yesterday, when trying to look inside my mouth to see if there is any dental issue causing the TMJ I noticed my right tonsil is bigger than left. Of course, Google scared me even more. I sent pictures to my doctor who has done an urgent ENT referral and said it needs a biopsy. 

 

I am extremely worried as I have little kids. I do feel I have post nasal drip too and have many episodes of stomach issues other than this. I also have hypothyroidism. 

 

My question is does one enlarged tonsil have to be C ... Or what other causes are there? 

 

Thanks

  • Offline

    Hello,

    I can understand why you would be worried. I'm not a medical professional and so can't say anything about your case specifically but I can tell you my experience. 

     

    I had something similar a few years ago. It started because my left tonsil was swollen and you could visibly see a lump on the left side of my neck. It was like that for months and I was constantly getting sick with colds and sore throats. I went through urgent referral to an ENT and they ended up deciding to remove the tonsils rather than do a biopsy although a biopsy was offered. 
     

    After the op my doctor just told me that my tonsils were "full of gunk" and she was glad she'd taken them out. Never any mention of cancer and I've been fine ever since! I don't get ill nearly as much! 
     

    best of luck with your referral and try to keep calm until you have information about your own case - Dr Google is the worst!!! 
     

    Laura x 

  • Offline in reply to Laura1991

    I'm glad I got the urgent referral. I'm worried because I've had chronic sore throat for 10 years and also swollen lymph nodes. My bloods and my urine sample were all clear of any problems. I hope this is a false alarm and all settles soon . Thanks for replying 

  • Offline in reply to Amb1711

    Yes that's totally understandable! It's worrying waiting for tests. 

    It sounds like you have been suffering for a long time so I hope they get it sorted for you soon! That's good news about your blood and urine. 
    I hope things settle for you soon too and sending you the very best wishes x 

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.