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What Does White Lines On The Tonsils Indicate?
Question: Hi, I have a question about my tonsils. Yesterday, I noticed having a bad taste in my mouth and I looked in my mouth and throat in a mirror. While my throat isn't sore, I did happen to notice some white lines on my tonsils. I am a bit of a hypochondriac, so my first reaction is that I have cancer developing in my mouth! I am not a smoker and do not drink, so that is unlikely I know, but it still has me a little freaked out.
Brief Answer:
Could be viral and bacterial infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi
White lines on the tonsils are called exudate which are white blood cells which line the tonsil and is caused by viral and bacterial infection.
I would advise you to do a throat culture sensitivity test and if any infection is found then a week course of sensitive antibiotic with your doctors advise would solve your problem.
Sometimes white spots on tonsils can be due to collections of the cells that line the mouth accumulating in the curves and bumps of the tonsils.
No specific treatment needs to be done as long as they are not causing any pain or discomfort.
Since you are not having blood in the saliva, difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking, persistent sore throat and intolerance to eating or drinking citrus foods and you are not a smoker and do not drink i do not think you are suffering from mouth cancer.
Regards
DR DE
Could be viral and bacterial infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi
White lines on the tonsils are called exudate which are white blood cells which line the tonsil and is caused by viral and bacterial infection.
I would advise you to do a throat culture sensitivity test and if any infection is found then a week course of sensitive antibiotic with your doctors advise would solve your problem.
Sometimes white spots on tonsils can be due to collections of the cells that line the mouth accumulating in the curves and bumps of the tonsils.
No specific treatment needs to be done as long as they are not causing any pain or discomfort.
Since you are not having blood in the saliva, difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking, persistent sore throat and intolerance to eating or drinking citrus foods and you are not a smoker and do not drink i do not think you are suffering from mouth cancer.
Regards
DR DE
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. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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