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What Causes White Patches Inside Mouth, Hard Bump On Tonsil And Swelling?
Question: Please got through the points. I am really worried after the things I read on internet. I have seen an ENT(from a very reputed hospital) and told everything but the doctor said I don't need to worry.I was told take vitamin tablets and carry on with my work. I went on a follow up on my on but then also I was told there is no need of monitoring.Please Find the details
below:
Age: 25 years
Height: 5' 11"
Smoking habit:
5 years of smoking. 4 cigarettes a day. Quit smoking 1 month ago.
Drinking habit:
Occasional drinker. Quit 2 months ago.
Issues:
2 weeks after I quit smoking, I started to notice the following abnormalities which I never looked before.
1. White patches inside inner cheeks. The seem to vary almost every day. I have uploaded images from a month ago and current pic.
leftcheek_old and rightcheek_old - ONE MONTH olrder pics
leftcheek_new , rightcheek_new, leftcheek_stretched_new, leftcheek_scrappedoff_new, rightcheek_stretched_new - today's pics
I can wipe of some of the white patches with tongue leaving red areas, please see the scrapped off pic. sometimes white come off on their own.
I have uploaded the pics of streched cheeks to check if its leukeodema.
When I asked my doctor about these, I was told repeatldly that they are nothing to be worried about. It was a vitmain deficieny.
2. Only Left tonsil has a very hard bump which has been there for 2 years, same size. (Image: tonsil_new ). When in Ac or fan , I have pain in the left tonsil.
3. Parts of my mouth behind jaw are decolorized on both sides. Roof of the mouth is also decolorized. I have also noticed way back down the throat
if I press my tongue, I can see some parts of the esopheges is also decolorized.
4. My left cheek sometimes has on and off swelling with pain in the left partoid gland only. (Please note point 9 also)
5. I have a swelling under my jaw. It's not very hard and not very soft. ( images neck_a, neck_b). My doubt is it is double chin or not. Could this be an issue
relating to
point 8, or is this something very serious? Very anxious.(It has been there since I gained weight, more than a year)
6. I have acne or think so on both sides of the cheek. The come and go, pop up on different place but if one resolves, others come up on different places.
(cheek_a, cheek_b)
7. I feel my face is slightly asymetrical. I looked into my childhood pics and it was somewhat asymetrical before but it seems more prominent now.
Other history:
8. Weight
I had been underweight for most of my life. 2 years back I weighed 53 kg but then I got serious about it and I started to gain weight.
I gained almost 20 kgs in a period of 6 months and it's same till now.
9. Accident a year back
I had an automobile accident a year back. Since then I had expericed painful on and off heaaches. It affects only one side of the heada and the cheek swelling on
that side only. Heacdache maine starts just before mealtime. After I have a heavy diet it goes away.
The pain is on left eye (it becomes light red with light tears), tonsil, ear,and left side of the head)
--I did 2 head MRIs in a period of 1 year but it didn't shpw anything. When I was on meds, the headaches seemed to be far less.
10. I had Asthma in childhood due to narrow food pipe.
11. Sawollwing issue
After noting the above symptoms,and looking over internet about the symtoms of oral cancer. I realized that I have slight sallowing issue. Is this related to
swelling I have on my neck?
I have mentioned all these points to my doctor and I was told there was issue to be worried about. I was given vitamins and thats all. I was told there was no follow
up needed. I asked for biposy but was it was not required.
From the internet I matched the above symptoms and found that it resembles:
1. Head and Neck Cancer
2. Oral Cancer
3. Clustured Headaches
Please let me know what do you think about these symptoms. I am really scared. If I know I have cancer, I just want to enjoy what time I have before it gets serious.
I want to quit my job and use some of my earnings to go some places, I really want to.
below:
Age: 25 years
Height: 5' 11"
Smoking habit:
5 years of smoking. 4 cigarettes a day. Quit smoking 1 month ago.
Drinking habit:
Occasional drinker. Quit 2 months ago.
Issues:
2 weeks after I quit smoking, I started to notice the following abnormalities which I never looked before.
1. White patches inside inner cheeks. The seem to vary almost every day. I have uploaded images from a month ago and current pic.
leftcheek_old and rightcheek_old - ONE MONTH olrder pics
leftcheek_new , rightcheek_new, leftcheek_stretched_new, leftcheek_scrappedoff_new, rightcheek_stretched_new - today's pics
I can wipe of some of the white patches with tongue leaving red areas, please see the scrapped off pic. sometimes white come off on their own.
I have uploaded the pics of streched cheeks to check if its leukeodema.
When I asked my doctor about these, I was told repeatldly that they are nothing to be worried about. It was a vitmain deficieny.
2. Only Left tonsil has a very hard bump which has been there for 2 years, same size. (Image: tonsil_new ). When in Ac or fan , I have pain in the left tonsil.
3. Parts of my mouth behind jaw are decolorized on both sides. Roof of the mouth is also decolorized. I have also noticed way back down the throat
if I press my tongue, I can see some parts of the esopheges is also decolorized.
4. My left cheek sometimes has on and off swelling with pain in the left partoid gland only. (Please note point 9 also)
5. I have a swelling under my jaw. It's not very hard and not very soft. ( images neck_a, neck_b). My doubt is it is double chin or not. Could this be an issue
relating to
point 8, or is this something very serious? Very anxious.(It has been there since I gained weight, more than a year)
6. I have acne or think so on both sides of the cheek. The come and go, pop up on different place but if one resolves, others come up on different places.
(cheek_a, cheek_b)
7. I feel my face is slightly asymetrical. I looked into my childhood pics and it was somewhat asymetrical before but it seems more prominent now.
Other history:
8. Weight
I had been underweight for most of my life. 2 years back I weighed 53 kg but then I got serious about it and I started to gain weight.
I gained almost 20 kgs in a period of 6 months and it's same till now.
9. Accident a year back
I had an automobile accident a year back. Since then I had expericed painful on and off heaaches. It affects only one side of the heada and the cheek swelling on
that side only. Heacdache maine starts just before mealtime. After I have a heavy diet it goes away.
The pain is on left eye (it becomes light red with light tears), tonsil, ear,and left side of the head)
--I did 2 head MRIs in a period of 1 year but it didn't shpw anything. When I was on meds, the headaches seemed to be far less.
10. I had Asthma in childhood due to narrow food pipe.
11. Sawollwing issue
After noting the above symptoms,and looking over internet about the symtoms of oral cancer. I realized that I have slight sallowing issue. Is this related to
swelling I have on my neck?
I have mentioned all these points to my doctor and I was told there was issue to be worried about. I was given vitamins and thats all. I was told there was no follow
up needed. I asked for biposy but was it was not required.
From the internet I matched the above symptoms and found that it resembles:
1. Head and Neck Cancer
2. Oral Cancer
3. Clustured Headaches
Please let me know what do you think about these symptoms. I am really scared. If I know I have cancer, I just want to enjoy what time I have before it gets serious.
I want to quit my job and use some of my earnings to go some places, I really want to.
Brief Answer:
Not oral cancer.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I have gone through your history and reports.
The white patches which you are having in your inner cheeks is called leukoplakia which is a condition in which thick white patches form on the lining of the cheeks of the mouth.
Smoking is the most common cause, but other irritants can cause this condition as well.
Leukoplakia usually is not dangerous but it can sometimes be serious.
Although most leukoplakia patches are noncancerous (benign), some show early signs of cancer.
I will advise you to remove a tissue sample and send it for biopsy for analysis.
This involves removing cells from the surface of the lesion with a small, spinning brush or surgically removing the entire leukoplakia patch (excisional biopsy) if the patch is small.
If the biopsy is positive and your dentist must performe an excisional biopsy that removes the entire leukoplakia patch and you may not need further treatment.
Patches may be removed using a scalpel, a laser or an extremely cold probe that freezes and destroys cancer cells (cryoprobe).
You can also apply retinoic acid ointment locally in the area to reduce patch size.
I will advise you to eat antioxidant rich foods. Antioxidants can help deactivate irritants that may cause patches. Antioxidant rich foods include spinach, pumpkin, and carrots.
I will advise you to avoid or limit alcohol use. Alcohol is a factor in both leukoplakia and oral cancer. Combining alcohol and smoking may make it easier for the harmful chemicals in tobacco to penetrate the tissues in your mouth.
You are having pain in the left tonsil and parotid gland due to the cold of the AC or fan which is causing infection and it has nothing to do with cancer.
Parts of your mouth behind jaw are decolorized because previous history of ciggarette smoking.I will advise you to apply lemon juice in the area to prevent discoloration.
Swelling under your jaw and swallowing issue is due to gain of weight and fat deposition in your head and neck region.
Since your MRI is normal you do not need to worry about headaches and you can take paracetamol tablets twice daily.
Your symptoms suggest you are not having malignancy but i will advise you to do a biopsy to rule out possibility of oral cancer.
Regards
DR DE
Not oral cancer.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I have gone through your history and reports.
The white patches which you are having in your inner cheeks is called leukoplakia which is a condition in which thick white patches form on the lining of the cheeks of the mouth.
Smoking is the most common cause, but other irritants can cause this condition as well.
Leukoplakia usually is not dangerous but it can sometimes be serious.
Although most leukoplakia patches are noncancerous (benign), some show early signs of cancer.
I will advise you to remove a tissue sample and send it for biopsy for analysis.
This involves removing cells from the surface of the lesion with a small, spinning brush or surgically removing the entire leukoplakia patch (excisional biopsy) if the patch is small.
If the biopsy is positive and your dentist must performe an excisional biopsy that removes the entire leukoplakia patch and you may not need further treatment.
Patches may be removed using a scalpel, a laser or an extremely cold probe that freezes and destroys cancer cells (cryoprobe).
You can also apply retinoic acid ointment locally in the area to reduce patch size.
I will advise you to eat antioxidant rich foods. Antioxidants can help deactivate irritants that may cause patches. Antioxidant rich foods include spinach, pumpkin, and carrots.
I will advise you to avoid or limit alcohol use. Alcohol is a factor in both leukoplakia and oral cancer. Combining alcohol and smoking may make it easier for the harmful chemicals in tobacco to penetrate the tissues in your mouth.
You are having pain in the left tonsil and parotid gland due to the cold of the AC or fan which is causing infection and it has nothing to do with cancer.
Parts of your mouth behind jaw are decolorized because previous history of ciggarette smoking.I will advise you to apply lemon juice in the area to prevent discoloration.
Swelling under your jaw and swallowing issue is due to gain of weight and fat deposition in your head and neck region.
Since your MRI is normal you do not need to worry about headaches and you can take paracetamol tablets twice daily.
Your symptoms suggest you are not having malignancy but i will advise you to do a biopsy to rule out possibility of oral cancer.
Regards
DR DE
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thank you Dr. De for you patiently going through my very long mail and giving me valuable suggestions. I will ask my doctor for biopsy again but the problem is they are spread over so many areas. Also I asked my doctor about biopsy and I was told there is no need at all.
There are some more things I need to clarify (I am really worried, so I am writing these long messages)
1. The pain in my tonsil is only on the left side. The headache, the eye pain, the partoid gland pain, and pain on the chest all are on the LEFT SIDE of my body. Even sometimes I feel pain on the left leg also. Is is cold related or something else as I have been having these symptoms after the accident ?
2. When I have the LEFT tonsil pain, I also have soring feeling at the very back of my tongue and only one side (The left side, where the tonsil problem is )
3. Previously the inner cheeks where the huge patches are there felt like threads when my moved the tip of my tongue over them but now for a week or so they feel smooth. Is it a good sign? Is this a sign that patches are reducing?
4. By comparing the pics of my inner cheeks, has my condition improved or got worse?
There are some more things I need to clarify (I am really worried, so I am writing these long messages)
1. The pain in my tonsil is only on the left side. The headache, the eye pain, the partoid gland pain, and pain on the chest all are on the LEFT SIDE of my body. Even sometimes I feel pain on the left leg also. Is is cold related or something else as I have been having these symptoms after the accident ?
2. When I have the LEFT tonsil pain, I also have soring feeling at the very back of my tongue and only one side (The left side, where the tonsil problem is )
3. Previously the inner cheeks where the huge patches are there felt like threads when my moved the tip of my tongue over them but now for a week or so they feel smooth. Is it a good sign? Is this a sign that patches are reducing?
4. By comparing the pics of my inner cheeks, has my condition improved or got worse?
Brief Answer:
Your condition is improving
Detailed Answer:
Hi
You do not need to worry regarding left sided pain in head, tonsils, eyes, chest and partoid gland since your MRI was normal.
These pains are all cold related.
Whenever you have the pain you can take paracetamol tablets twice or thrice daily.
The sore feeling at the back of the tongue is due to left tonsil pain. I would advise you to take tablet ciprofloxacin with your doctors advise and also do warm saline gargle twice daily.
As the huge patches are now feeling smooth it is a sign that the patches are reducing.
On comparing the pics of your inner cheeks your condition is slowly improving.
If you have no more clarifications then please rate the answer and close the thread.
Regards
DR DE
Your condition is improving
Detailed Answer:
Hi
You do not need to worry regarding left sided pain in head, tonsils, eyes, chest and partoid gland since your MRI was normal.
These pains are all cold related.
Whenever you have the pain you can take paracetamol tablets twice or thrice daily.
The sore feeling at the back of the tongue is due to left tonsil pain. I would advise you to take tablet ciprofloxacin with your doctors advise and also do warm saline gargle twice daily.
As the huge patches are now feeling smooth it is a sign that the patches are reducing.
On comparing the pics of your inner cheeks your condition is slowly improving.
If you have no more clarifications then please rate the answer and close the thread.
Regards
DR DE
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Hi again Dr. De , tahnk you for your patience. Thank you again.
1. I have uploaded a new image "leftcheek_redspot_evening".
Below are details of images from today:
A. leftcheek_new : taken today morning. Now red spots behind the widom tooth area. No red spots were there. Please find the pic in report area.
B. leftcheek_scrappedoff_new : taken today afternoon. I scrapped the white lession using the trip of the tongue, leaving red patches. Please find the pic in report area.
C. leftcheek_redspot_evening : Some portions healed I think but some remain. Should I be worried about them?
2.The patches in inner cheeks were previously had thread-like feeling but now they are, as I have mentioned smooth but another thing I want to mention is that they are glossy, shiny type. Is this alright?
1. I have uploaded a new image "leftcheek_redspot_evening".
Below are details of images from today:
A. leftcheek_new : taken today morning. Now red spots behind the widom tooth area. No red spots were there. Please find the pic in report area.
B. leftcheek_scrappedoff_new : taken today afternoon. I scrapped the white lession using the trip of the tongue, leaving red patches. Please find the pic in report area.
C. leftcheek_redspot_evening : Some portions healed I think but some remain. Should I be worried about them?
2.The patches in inner cheeks were previously had thread-like feeling but now they are, as I have mentioned smooth but another thing I want to mention is that they are glossy, shiny type. Is this alright?
Brief Answer:
Apply zytee ointment
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I have gone through your loaded images.
The red spot is due to the scrapped white lesion and it will heal very quickly.
Apply zytee ointment on it which contains Benzalkonium chIoride and choline salicylate with doctors advise.
After its application locally the remaining portion will heal quickly.
The patches in inner cheeeks are glossy and shiny type meaning the condition is slowly improving and you should not worry.
Regards
DR DE
Apply zytee ointment
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I have gone through your loaded images.
The red spot is due to the scrapped white lesion and it will heal very quickly.
Apply zytee ointment on it which contains Benzalkonium chIoride and choline salicylate with doctors advise.
After its application locally the remaining portion will heal quickly.
The patches in inner cheeeks are glossy and shiny type meaning the condition is slowly improving and you should not worry.
Regards
DR DE
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thank you again Dr. De. The bump on my left tonsil is there for 2 years. Shouldn't I be worried about that or it's an infection only?
Thank you for all your valuable advises.
Image is in tonsil_new. You can see the bump in the picture.
My headache on the one side peaks just before the mealtime
Also the swelling in the tonsil is hard(I checked with a cotton ear pick) and the size has been same for nearly 1 year but the pain is increased for the last few weeks.(I am also getting colds easily these days)
The feeling my left back side of the tongue is like a dry very mild sore. I feel normal on the right back side of the tongue. I have also noticed that I swallow or chew from the left part of my mouth only. I have to be conscious to do that from my right part.
Thank you for all your valuable advises.
Image is in tonsil_new. You can see the bump in the picture.
My headache on the one side peaks just before the mealtime
Also the swelling in the tonsil is hard(I checked with a cotton ear pick) and the size has been same for nearly 1 year but the pain is increased for the last few weeks.(I am also getting colds easily these days)
The feeling my left back side of the tongue is like a dry very mild sore. I feel normal on the right back side of the tongue. I have also noticed that I swallow or chew from the left part of my mouth only. I have to be conscious to do that from my right part.
Brief Answer:
Bump in the tonsil is due to infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I have gone through your uploaded picture.
The bump in the tonsil is due to infection and you should not be worried.
I will advise you to do a throat swab culture test. If the test reveal bacteria, treatment will consist of antibiotics to cure the infection. Antibiotics may be given as a single shot or taken 10 days by mouth.
I will also advise you to get enough rest, drink warm fluids to ease throat pain and suck on lozenges containing benzocaine or other anesthetics.
The headache on one side peaking just before mealtime is due to indigestion.I will advise you to take prokinetic drugs like reglan with your doctors advise.
The drug will improve the muscle action of the digestive tract and prevent indigestion.
I will also advise you to eat smaller meals throughout the day, eat more slowly and don’t eat before lying down and to reduce stress through yoga or relaxation therapy.
As the pain has increased in the sweling in the tonsil i will advise you to gargle with warm salt water twice daily.
The left back side of your tongue is dry with mild sore because of vitamin B deficiency.
I will advise you to include fish, meat, poultry, milk products, eggs, fortified cereals and leafy green vegetables in your diet.
Regards
DR DE
Bump in the tonsil is due to infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I have gone through your uploaded picture.
The bump in the tonsil is due to infection and you should not be worried.
I will advise you to do a throat swab culture test. If the test reveal bacteria, treatment will consist of antibiotics to cure the infection. Antibiotics may be given as a single shot or taken 10 days by mouth.
I will also advise you to get enough rest, drink warm fluids to ease throat pain and suck on lozenges containing benzocaine or other anesthetics.
The headache on one side peaking just before mealtime is due to indigestion.I will advise you to take prokinetic drugs like reglan with your doctors advise.
The drug will improve the muscle action of the digestive tract and prevent indigestion.
I will also advise you to eat smaller meals throughout the day, eat more slowly and don’t eat before lying down and to reduce stress through yoga or relaxation therapy.
As the pain has increased in the sweling in the tonsil i will advise you to gargle with warm salt water twice daily.
The left back side of your tongue is dry with mild sore because of vitamin B deficiency.
I will advise you to include fish, meat, poultry, milk products, eggs, fortified cereals and leafy green vegetables in your diet.
Regards
DR DE
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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