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Hi, I Went For My Physical Checkup Today And Upon

Posted on Sat, 24 Oct 2020

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)

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Do not worry! It is normal to have tonsil stones

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

First of all, I would like to reassure you that the tonsillar stones are normally seen in many of the individuals. It is not a cause to worry unless you are getting repeated sore throat or sensation of foreign body in the throat.

Tonsillar stones are formed due to collection of the food materials in the tonsillar crypts. Gradually, the retained food material along with the chemicals in the saliva gets hardened to form a stone like structure.

You don't have to worry unless you are having symptoms of foreign body sensation in the throat or recurrent throat infections. The Doctor has mentioned as a lesion of the tonsil, which means, there is something which is unspecific or unsure over the tonsil. This is mentioned for the purpose of the medical diagnosis only. Nothing to be really scared of.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink frequent sips of warm water.
2. Do throat gargles with plain water every time after you take food.

Hope this answers your query. Revert back to me if you have any follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (26 minutes later)

Thanks for the response. Some follow ups:

1. When the PCP tried to push/ scrap the mass with a swab it didn’t come off.

2. After returning when I touched it with my fingers it feels like a skin tag. Like something hanging on left tonsil attached.

I have no symptoms of foreign body feelings or pain or lump or sensations. Why didn’t the doctor mentioned this as stone instead? I just want to make sure that it’s not what I am fearing of. I have attached the picture with my post, please look and advise. And why do I need to visit ENT now? It’s scaring me.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There is no tonsil stone...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

I have examined the image thoroughly and I am of the opinion that there is no tonsillar stone noticed in the left tonsil.

A piece of tissue hanging there could be either a tiny mucocele of the minor salivary gland or the enlarged tonsillar fold. In both the cases, it's perfectly normal and requires no intervention. Be assured there is no tonsillar stone noticed over the tonsil.

I don't think so you need to consult an ENT for this.

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (26 minutes later)

Thanks! Does it remotely could be cancer? That’s my only fear.. I hope it’s fine and I will skip the visit to ENT... I don’t want to get more and more anxious about the possibility of this thing.

Thanks again!

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I don't see any signs of cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

I don't see any signs of cancer.

With best regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (39 hours later)

Thanks Doctor! Another update that today while I was trying to push it with a swab, a yellow “pus” like thing came from it. It was a little amount. The original mass is as it is but it released some pus.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The pus sort of liquid is the collection of food material...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

Do not worry! The pus like substance is the collection of the food material inside the deep crypt of the tonsil. It is normal to notice these type of liquid or semiliquid substance upon pressing the tonsil.

Kindly refrain from probing the tonsil, the chances of bleeding are more from the inflamed area of the tonsil.

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar