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Hi, I Went For My Physical Checkup Today And Upon
Question: hi, I went for my physical checkup today and upon checking my mouth, the PCP referred to see ENT. She said I have tonsil stone type of thing and it needs to be checked by ENT. She mentioned “ lesion of tonsil” in the after visit summary comment. I am very scared, is this concerning? ( I have no symptoms or pain or swelling . Non smoke non drinker, female 35yrs, only one partner)
Brief Answer:
Tonsillolith. No cause for worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. These 'tonsil stones' are known as tonsilloliths in medical terminology. These are very common in normal people. Similarly 'lesion on tonsil' is a non-specific medical term to refer to the above. Hence there is no cause for worry.
2. Tonsilloliths are concretions of food particles and pus lodged in the natural crypts of the palatine tonsils. The white/ yellow collection is sometimes referred to as 'cheesy' or even 'toothpaste' like in consistency. The largest crypt is known as the crypta magna and is located near the upper pole of the palatine tonsil where tonsil stones are most common.
2. When we swallow, our palatine tonsils rub against the food bolus and pick up food particles. This food debris decays there while it is analysed for antigens, foreign bodies and organisms by the lymphoid tissue which forms the bulk of the tonsils. Below the age of five years, this is especially important in the development of immunity.
3. No active treatment is requires. Some people use a medicated gargle occasionally or just warm saline gargles daily. You can remove the tonsillolith gently with your finger or the other end of the toothbrush while brushing.
4. Most patients report that it look odd, a few complain of throat irritation and halitosis (bad breath). For recurrent large and troublesome tonsilloliths or the only definitive treatment is tonsillectomy. Partial coblation may be attempted but results are hard to predict. These procedures are almost never required.
5. These tonsilloliths appear and disappear often, sometimes on one side, sometimes on both and often resolve on their own.
I hope I have answered your query. Please reply back with the answers and I will be able to help you further.
Regards.
Tonsillolith. No cause for worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. These 'tonsil stones' are known as tonsilloliths in medical terminology. These are very common in normal people. Similarly 'lesion on tonsil' is a non-specific medical term to refer to the above. Hence there is no cause for worry.
2. Tonsilloliths are concretions of food particles and pus lodged in the natural crypts of the palatine tonsils. The white/ yellow collection is sometimes referred to as 'cheesy' or even 'toothpaste' like in consistency. The largest crypt is known as the crypta magna and is located near the upper pole of the palatine tonsil where tonsil stones are most common.
2. When we swallow, our palatine tonsils rub against the food bolus and pick up food particles. This food debris decays there while it is analysed for antigens, foreign bodies and organisms by the lymphoid tissue which forms the bulk of the tonsils. Below the age of five years, this is especially important in the development of immunity.
3. No active treatment is requires. Some people use a medicated gargle occasionally or just warm saline gargles daily. You can remove the tonsillolith gently with your finger or the other end of the toothbrush while brushing.
4. Most patients report that it look odd, a few complain of throat irritation and halitosis (bad breath). For recurrent large and troublesome tonsilloliths or the only definitive treatment is tonsillectomy. Partial coblation may be attempted but results are hard to predict. These procedures are almost never required.
5. These tonsilloliths appear and disappear often, sometimes on one side, sometimes on both and often resolve on their own.
I hope I have answered your query. Please reply back with the answers and I will be able to help you further.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thanks for the response. I am just worried that if this could be cancer remotely by any chance and hence why doctor mentioned Lesion term.
I have attached the image of the site and when I touch it with my fingers it feels a soft blob/ mass instead of tonsil stone u lnless it is a hardened tonsil stone as you had described.
I just want to avoid being scared of the bad outcome of this thing. Please review the picture and advise.
There is no sensation, lump, pain, sensitivity, burning, issue in Swallowing In mouth.
Thanks!
I have attached the image of the site and when I touch it with my fingers it feels a soft blob/ mass instead of tonsil stone u lnless it is a hardened tonsil stone as you had described.
I just want to avoid being scared of the bad outcome of this thing. Please review the picture and advise.
There is no sensation, lump, pain, sensitivity, burning, issue in Swallowing In mouth.
Thanks!
Brief Answer:
This doesn't seem to be cancer.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for following up.
1. This doesn't seem to be cancer.
2. As mentioned in my previous answer, the consistency of a tonsillolith may be cheesy or toothpaste like rsther than a hard stone.
3. Hence there is no cause for worry. Regular observation and minimal treatment is all that is necessary.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards
This doesn't seem to be cancer.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for following up.
1. This doesn't seem to be cancer.
2. As mentioned in my previous answer, the consistency of a tonsillolith may be cheesy or toothpaste like rsther than a hard stone.
3. Hence there is no cause for worry. Regular observation and minimal treatment is all that is necessary.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thanks Dr Bhatti.
My concluding follow up would be if this is normal for the tonsillolith to be appear as skin tag to the tonsil. When I tried to push/ dislodge it , it appears still.. more like stuck to the base skin. I hope this is normal /expected.
Many thanks!
My concluding follow up would be if this is normal for the tonsillolith to be appear as skin tag to the tonsil. When I tried to push/ dislodge it , it appears still.. more like stuck to the base skin. I hope this is normal /expected.
Many thanks!
Brief Answer:
Details as discussed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for following up.
1. The best way forward is to get a local ENT Specialist to examine directly under a headlight or an endoscope.
3. If that is not possible at present, careful observation and follow-up is always advised.
3. Even if this is a small retention cyst, it is a very minor issue.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Details as discussed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for following up.
1. The best way forward is to get a local ENT Specialist to examine directly under a headlight or an endoscope.
3. If that is not possible at present, careful observation and follow-up is always advised.
3. Even if this is a small retention cyst, it is a very minor issue.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further 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. Kampana
Answered by
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