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What Causes Small Lump On Tonsil?

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Posted on Wed, 31 Dec 2014
Question: Hi about 4 weeks ago I noticed a strange looking lump on my left tonsil. It is a small lump, so I don't think it is anything major. But i am wondering what it is, and if it will go away? I have included a picture, the arrow points to the tiny lump.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Inflamed tonsil or tonsillar cyst...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

I have gone through the history and examined the photo thoroughly. I am of the opinion that the swelling could be either an inflamed tonsil or a tonsillar cyst.

1. Tonsil has got multiple crypts and when the crypts widen, the tonsillar tissue appears as if there are multiple lobes in it.

2. Secondly, it can be a tonsillar cyst with accumulated keratin in it.

As there is congestion along with edema all over the pharynx and tonsillar pillars, the small tissue of tonsil appears to be an isolated swelling.

In either of the cases, there is no serious issues associated with.

My suggestion to you is to drink plenty of warm water; avoid chilled food and beverages and smoking, if any.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (35 minutes later)
I believe you are referring to the the swelling and redness in the back of the throat. That is a separate issue that has occured in the past two days due to a recent cold.

The lump on the left tonsil has been there for about a month now, so I don't think they are related. If it is a cyst will it go away?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Small cysts are harmless & may disappear gradually

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

To explain to you in detail, I can see the congested and edematous uvula and the anterior pillar of the tonsils. On the left hand side, I can see a globular swelling behind the anterior tonsillar pillar. Exactly behind the globular swelling lies an another small, erythematous swelling, size of a small pea. I believe it's a tonsillar tissue, (arrow head pointing on it) because, it is well within the tonsillar pillars. This can be confirmed by the XXXXXXX formed by the tonsillar pillars right above the swelling. Lower to it, I can still see the crypt of the tonsil.

Behind the small mass is the congested and edematous folds of the mucosal membrane overlying the pharyngeal wall. Similar folds can be noticed on the opposite side too.

On the right hand side, the tonsil is obscured by the anterior tonsillar pillar.

Smaller cysts may persist or disappear once the inflammation subsides. Do not worry! Tiny tonsillar cysts are harmless swelling, I am confident that it is nothing more than a tonsillar tissue, with a deeper crypt, but, a tiny cyst cannot be ruled out.

Hope this clarifies your doubts.

Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)
How long should the inflammation last for then? How many months? If after 3 months it still there or grows should I speak to my GP about it?
I have attached a photo from two weeks ago, do you see much change in the inflammation of the lump? If the inflammation doesn't decrease in another month should something be done?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Harmless granulation tissue over the posterior tonsillar pillar

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back and thanks for posting the old photograph.

After going through the new image, I would like to change my opinion. It is a granulation tissue present over the posterior tonsillar pillar and the adjoining pharyngeal wall. In the first image, the granulation was pushed to the front by the contracted pharyngeal mucosal folds, giving an appearance of inflamed tonsillar tissue with a deep crypt.

In the 2 weeks old image, the granulation tissue was present without much inflammation. And, in the recent image because of cold, there is gross inflammation of the entire pharynx, making this granulation appear more prominent.

Do not worry! This will definitely clear off within a couple of months with anti-inflammatory medicines and the povidone iodine mouth gargles or spray. You can definitely consult your doctor, if there is no change in the size even after two weeks.

Drink plenty of warm water. Warm water will hasten the process of healing.

Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
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. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 2540 Questions

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What Causes Small Lump On Tonsil?

Brief Answer: Inflamed tonsil or tonsillar cyst... Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for posting the query I have gone through the history and examined the photo thoroughly. I am of the opinion that the swelling could be either an inflamed tonsil or a tonsillar cyst. 1. Tonsil has got multiple crypts and when the crypts widen, the tonsillar tissue appears as if there are multiple lobes in it. 2. Secondly, it can be a tonsillar cyst with accumulated keratin in it. As there is congestion along with edema all over the pharynx and tonsillar pillars, the small tissue of tonsil appears to be an isolated swelling. In either of the cases, there is no serious issues associated with. My suggestion to you is to drink plenty of warm water; avoid chilled food and beverages and smoking, if any. Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries. Regards Dr. Naveen Kumar N ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon