Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Persistent Sore Throat
Question: Hello,
I have had a very sore throat, and a tightness in my throat, originally diagnosed as strep that wouldn't go away. I have had viral throat infections for about a month now. My ENT did not see anything, but thinks since I am a teacher I am getting reinfected. He did order an ultrasound, and the interpretation is 1cm complex nodule in the isthmus. Tiny nodule and cyst in the left lobe (4mm and 3mm). The complex partially cystic one measures 1cm. Is this bad? Could this be the cause of my problems? What are the chances this would be cancer and should it be biopsied? and If so, is there a danger in that?
I have had a very sore throat, and a tightness in my throat, originally diagnosed as strep that wouldn't go away. I have had viral throat infections for about a month now. My ENT did not see anything, but thinks since I am a teacher I am getting reinfected. He did order an ultrasound, and the interpretation is 1cm complex nodule in the isthmus. Tiny nodule and cyst in the left lobe (4mm and 3mm). The complex partially cystic one measures 1cm. Is this bad? Could this be the cause of my problems? What are the chances this would be cancer and should it be biopsied? and If so, is there a danger in that?
Brief Answer:
Further investigation is necessary.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. A repeat throat swab, throat examination and routine blood counts will reveal if any infection is still persisting. For example, the throat swab may show bacterial growth and this can be used to decide on the antibiotics and medication. You may be a carrier or one of your students may be.The differential white blood cell counts will indicate if the infection is bacterial or viral. The throat examination will reveal signs of re-infection.
2. If there are no signs of an infection or inflammation, the tightness in the throat may be due to dryness in the throat, a post nasal drip (of mucus), chronic laryngitis (as a teacher), mouth breathing during sleep, acid reflux, muscle spasms (due to irritation and anxiety), allergy, low blood counts and so on.
3. A videolaryngoscopy is a simple examination that can help answer these questions. All these conditions will leave tell-tale signs.
4. This is unlikely to be cancer or related to the thyroid nodules. An FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology), a Thyroid Scan and Thyroid Function Tests will settle the issue. Thyroid problems are many times more common in females and less likely to be cancerous than in males.
5. Upload the test results as they are done for further discussion.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Further investigation is necessary.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. A repeat throat swab, throat examination and routine blood counts will reveal if any infection is still persisting. For example, the throat swab may show bacterial growth and this can be used to decide on the antibiotics and medication. You may be a carrier or one of your students may be.The differential white blood cell counts will indicate if the infection is bacterial or viral. The throat examination will reveal signs of re-infection.
2. If there are no signs of an infection or inflammation, the tightness in the throat may be due to dryness in the throat, a post nasal drip (of mucus), chronic laryngitis (as a teacher), mouth breathing during sleep, acid reflux, muscle spasms (due to irritation and anxiety), allergy, low blood counts and so on.
3. A videolaryngoscopy is a simple examination that can help answer these questions. All these conditions will leave tell-tale signs.
4. This is unlikely to be cancer or related to the thyroid nodules. An FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology), a Thyroid Scan and Thyroid Function Tests will settle the issue. Thyroid problems are many times more common in females and less likely to be cancerous than in males.
5. Upload the test results as they are done for further discussion.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
