I’m 20 and I think I have tonsil cancer

So I'm 20 and I think I might have tonsil cancer - I know it's not very common in young people but something does not feel right.  However all these problems in my mouth began at the same time I got COVID-19 so I'm not sure if this is just a long term affect of covid.

 

Basically 2 months ago I noticed that the salivary ducts on my cheeks had began to tingle, not always but when I would lean on them or eat and it's not gone away. Sometimes I think it gets worse with anxiety too. In addition to this today I began to notice my left tonsil has become quite a bit larger than my right tonsil. 
 

I went to the doctor about this when I started getting the tingle sensation and they are unsure about what's causing it so reffered me to an ENT. I'm still waiting to hear back about the referral and I'm honestly quite worried now my left tonsil is noticeably more swollen. I know that one swollen tonsil is the most common sign of tonsil cancer and with the tingling pain I just know something is not ok.

 

if anyone has experienced the same thing I'd be interested to hear your thoughts! 

  • Hello Clarebear2400, 

    I just wanted to welcome you to our forum. I hope you won't have to wait too long for your ENT appointment. I can imagine it must be a very stressful time for you while waiting to be seen. I hope that you are fully recovered after having had Covid-19 and it is indeed possible that the issues you are experiencing might be linked to long term effects of Covid-19. Perhaps you could mention to the specialist that these problems began at the same time as you got Covid-19 ? They will be in the best position to tell you whether it might be linked. 

    I know it is really hard but try not to worry too much or anticipate what it might be. The best thing to do to avoid thinking too much about this is to keep busy and distracted if you can and avoid looking things up online. I can imagine it is hard for you to do this at the moment but it will help you feel a little less anxious. 

    I hope you will also hear from others here who have been through all this before and that they will be along soon to share their story with you. 

    Keeping everything crossed for you that everything turns out fine. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator