Hi, I am sorry to hear that. If I were your treating Doctor for this case of painful lump next to your tonsils. I would come up with three possibilities, these include: 1. Infection: If you have any infection in your mouth/tongue/lips/area near neck that would lead to swollen lumps (enlarged lymph nodes) next to tonsils. It can be treated with oral antibiotics which decreases the size of lumps and pain killers for resolution of pain Drink plenty of fluids and applying warm compressors would resolve pain and gives you relief. 2. Any injury to the local area would increase changes of infection. You can use the treatment same as an infection. 3. Though tumor is a rare possibility. It is better to get blood workup done to see white blood cell count. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions. Wishing you good health.