A lump in any part of the body can be concerning. While in most cases, it is harmless, doctors advise getting it examined by a doctor to rule out any possibility of serious medical conditions, like cancer.
A lump or swelling in the throat can also be alarming, as it is one of the common signs of oral and oropharyngeal cancers like tonsil cancer, which also falls under the category of head and neck cancers.
However, it is important to note that not all lumps in the neck or swollen tonsils indicate cancer. It can also be a sign of inflammation, also called tonsillitis. We asked experts to shed light on the conditions and share ways to distinguish between the two.
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What Is Tonsil Cancer?
Dr Pratik Patil, Consultant - Medical Oncology, Jupiter Hospital, Pune, says, "Cancer is the result of the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in the body. As the most prevalent oropharyngeal cancer, tonsillar carcinoma is seeing a rapid increase in occurrence."
According to StatPearls Publishing, tonsil cancer is the most common type of throat cancer, with rates rising sharply in recent decades due to the increasing prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cancers.
In Western countries, the percentage of throat cancers caused by HPV has nearly doubled in the past ten years, while rates of non-HPV throat cancers haven't changed significantly, the research notes.
Some of the common symptoms include a lump in the neck that is painless and sore throats.
"Smoking, consuming alcohol, and having the HPV infection are the primary risk factors for tonsillar cancer," Dr Patil adds.
What Is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of the tonsils, which are lymph nodes in the back of the mouth and top of the throat. They are responsible for keeping bacteria and other germs at bay and reducing the risk of infections.
Both a viral and a bacterial infection can cause tonsillitis, with strep throat being the most common cause. The most common viral causes include the viruses that cause the common cold, including rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and coronavirus. Bacterial infections that lead to tonsillitis are mostly group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS), according to research. It adds that in sexually active patients, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia are possible additional causes.
Also Read: Is Tonsils Removal Surgery Safe? Long-term Health Risks
How To Distinguish Between Tonsil Cancer And Tonsillitis
Dr Patil says, "Tonsillar cancer and tonsillitis both cause swelling or a lump in the neck but have key differences."
"Tonsillitis, an infection, typically presents with a sore throat, fever, and swollen tonsils with white patches, and it usually improves with antibiotics or self-care. Tonsillar cancer, however, often causes a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, a lump that doesn’t go away, unexplained weight loss, and persistent ear pain.
"Symptoms of tonsil cancer persist and worsen over a period of time," he adds.
For an accurate diagnosis, the doctor advises a medical evaluation and a biopsy, which can help distinguish between the two conditions.
Treatment Options For Tonsil Cancer Vs. Tonsillitis
When it comes to tonsillitis, a throat swab may help detect the condition. Depending on the cause of the condition, a doctor will decide the most effective treatment.
If the infection is bacterial, the course of treatment includes antibiotics coupled with rest, hydration, Over-the-Counter (OTC) painkillers, and warm salt water gargles.
For tonsil cancer, the treatment approach involves a visit to an oncologist for a comprehensive examination followed by imaging tests and a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, says Dr Patil, adding that following the diagnosis, the cancer will be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or targeted therapy.
He adds, “After the therapy, it is essential to go for regular follow-up appointments to monitor for recurrence of cancer and management of side effects. For effective treatment and recovery of tonsillar cancer and tonsillitis, early medical intervention is crucial. Tonsillar carcinoma and lymphoma are both fully curable for stages 1, 2, and 3, that is, when detected early.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own doctor if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]