Is unilateral tonsil enlargement cancer?
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Unilateral tonsillar enlargement is not necessarily cancer, but is usually caused by inflammatory stimulation leading to tonsillar hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Tonsils typically present in two phenotypes: exophytic and embedded. The exophytic type refers to overall growth outside the tonsillar fossa, while the embedded type refers to tissue located within the tonsillar fossa. The exophytic type is generally larger, but both phenotypes are considered physiological hypertrophy.
In daily life, catching a cold or suffering from severe coughing can lead to tonsillitis, and more serious cases of tonsillitis may eventually develop into swollen tonsils. So, is unilateral tonsil enlargement cancer?
Is Unilateral Tonsil Enlargement Cancer?
Unilateral tonsil enlargement is not necessarily cancer; it is usually caused by inflammation leading to tonsillar hyperplasia and hypertrophy. There are typically two phenotypes of tonsils: exophytic and embedded. The exophytic type refers to overall growth outside the tonsillar fossa, while the embedded type refers to partial location within the tonsillar fossa. Generally, the exophytic type is larger in size. Both phenotypes belong to physiological hypertrophy, although the exact cause remains unclear. However, if a patient has a malignant tumor—especially malignant lymphoma—it often presents as unilateral tonsil enlargement with surface ulceration, bleeding, and new tissue growth. Patients are advised to visit an otolaryngology department for local tonsil biopsy, or even surgical removal of one tonsil, to determine whether malignancies such as lymphoma are present.
Some people naturally have one enlarged tonsil due to physiological reasons. If patients are asymptomatic, observation alone is usually sufficient. When tonsillitis causes unilateral enlargement accompanied by pain, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, and particularly painful swallowing, anti-inflammatory medications can be used. Throat lozenges, mouthwashes, and traditional Chinese medicines may also help treat pharyngitis. Typically, tonsil swelling resolves within about 7 to 10 days. In conditions like lymphoma or tonsil carcinoma, examination reveals unilateral tonsil enlargement. If it is tonsil carcinoma, the surface will show ulcers and abnormal tissue growth. Tonsillar lymphoma is characterized by markedly enlarged tonsils. In such cases, pathological diagnosis via biopsy is essential, followed by prompt treatment based on pathology results.
In daily life, it's important to get adequate rest and avoid overworking, which may trigger tonsillitis. Regular exercise helps strengthen the immune system. We hope this information is helpful to you. Wishing you good health and a happy life.
