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What Causes White Patches On Tonsils And In Throat?

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Posted on Thu, 5 Nov 2015
Question: I'm 25 I can tell something's wrong with my throat I've had it for about nearly 4 years, but 5 months ago I braved it to go to the doctors and the first doctor I saw wasn't my doctor he was just someone covering for my doctor, he said it was nothing and not to worry, & that everyone probably has it even my mum but that didn't put my mind at rest, so about a month after I went to see my doctor who said it was just change of colour and everyone is different and that it's nothing... But is it normal to have two white patches behind both of my tonsil it goes all the way down my throat. But why do I think it's throat cancer/tonsil cancer? It doesn't hurt I feel fine I can eat swallow just like normal. & I also have a medium size white patch right at the back of my throat behind my tongue when I push my tongue right back I can see it, it has like red lines or blood vessels, is this normal, am I dying? Am I just worrying too much? I don't smoke or drink nothing like that... I need to put my mind at rest. As I've had it nearly 4 years & seen 2 local doctors.

The thing at the back of my throat behind my tongue is white and the red lines or blood vessels are on that they are on the white thing

Plus the thing behind my tongue I've had for about a year or so I'm not sure but the thing behind my tonsils I've had for nearly 4 years. Please answer me someone I'm scared, I have no pain or anything it's just the thing I'm seeing is scaring me is it cancer? Throat cancer, tonsil cancer, if it's anything serious will I know would I be in pain if it is cancer?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
White patches, likely and mostly benign , no worries

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. White patches at the back of the throat with history of recurrent sore throats is unlikely alarming. Many innocuous conditions can cause this to happen. Sore throat, mono, recent cough and cold, candida infections, poor oral hygiene, acid brash from the stomach, inadequate hydration etc are the commonest causes of these white patches.

of course there are some sinister causes for white patches too but with multiple doctors had a look, i seriously doubt that to be a possibility so no worries. Talk to your otorhinolaryngologist and let them have a look. You don't have any symptoms like swallowing difficulty or pain etc, then you should ignore it. Just maintain a good oral hygiene and do salt water gargles for the relief of symptoms if any. White patches will fade on its own.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (6 minutes later)
So it isn't tonsil cancer or throat cancer so it's normal to have white patches with red vessels/lines or whatever they are behind my tonsils, I don't drink or smoke, and I've had it for 4 years behind my tonsils and about a year right at the back behind my tongue is it normal to just have white patches that don't go away? What if it gets bigger? Is it cancer? I'm 25. If it was cancer would I have symptoms? As I can eat and drink like normal but my tonsils are always up mostly one of them with a white bit on it, can you please put my mind at ease
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Not cancer.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back to me

As i mentioned 99 % of white patches are benign and self resolving or need a little hygienic and cleaning tactics. Oral hygienist can be consulted in this regard too.

But not every patch is cancer and at age of just 25 likelihood reduces by thousandfold. So get to a doctor, dentist or otorhinolaryngologist and let them sooth your nerves further and help you ease your mind as i am sure it is nothing to worry about. Doing as directed will help in management.

I hope it helps.
Regards
Khan
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
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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What Causes White Patches On Tonsils And In Throat?

Brief Answer: White patches, likely and mostly benign , no worries Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking I read your question and i understand your concern. White patches at the back of the throat with history of recurrent sore throats is unlikely alarming. Many innocuous conditions can cause this to happen. Sore throat, mono, recent cough and cold, candida infections, poor oral hygiene, acid brash from the stomach, inadequate hydration etc are the commonest causes of these white patches. of course there are some sinister causes for white patches too but with multiple doctors had a look, i seriously doubt that to be a possibility so no worries. Talk to your otorhinolaryngologist and let them have a look. You don't have any symptoms like swallowing difficulty or pain etc, then you should ignore it. Just maintain a good oral hygiene and do salt water gargles for the relief of symptoms if any. White patches will fade on its own. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please. Regards Khan