What causes a red, spherical protrusion on the posterior wall of the throat, and what should be done?
May 08, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
A red, spherical protrusion on the posterior pharyngeal wall may be associated with acute pharyngitis, tonsillitis, lymphoid follicular hyperplasia, vocal cord polyps, or papillomas. Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause. It is important to seek timely medical attention and receive appropriate treatment—such as general care, medication, physical therapy, or surgery—based on the specific etiology. During treatment, patients should follow medical advice, maintain a regular作息 (sleep-wake cycle), and adhere to a balanced diet.
Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. The presence of a red, ball-like protrusion on the posterior wall of the pharynx may be related to factors such as acute pharyngitis, tonsillitis, lymphoid follicular hyperplasia, vocal cord polyps, or papillomas. Timely treatment should be administered according to the underlying cause, including general management, medication, physical therapy, or surgery. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is usually associated with bacterial or viral infections. Repeated inflammatory irritation of the pharyngeal mucosa can cause congestive edema, and a red protruding mass may appear locally. Symptoms may include pain and a foreign body sensation. Treatment may include medications such as sodium penicillin for injection, moxifloxacin hydrochloride tablets, and amikacin sulfate injection, as directed by a physician.
2. Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis may be associated with bacterial or viral infections. Repeated inflammation can cause the aforementioned symptoms, often accompanied by redness, swelling, and pain. Treatment may include medications such as compound furacilin powder, azithromycin dispersible tablets, and amoxicillin capsules, as directed by a physician.
3. Lymphoid Follicular Hyperplasia
This condition is usually associated with chronic pharyngitis. Long-term inflammation leads to chronic inflammatory responses in the pharyngeal mucosa, resulting in abnormal proliferation of lymphoid tissue and the formation of red, ball-like protrusions. Symptoms may include dryness and sore throat. Treatment may include medications such as Ganjie Bingmei tablets, Xigua Shuang Runhou tablets, and Xigua Shuang, as advised by a physician.
4. Vocal Cord Polyps
Vocal cord polyps may be related to excessive use of the vocal cords or high vocal strain. Repeated irritation of the pharyngeal mucosa may gradually lead to polyp formation, causing the above symptoms. Symptoms may include hoarseness and difficulty speaking. Prompt surgical treatment, such as vocal cord polypectomy, is recommended under medical guidance. This procedure involves removing the polyp under a supported laryngoscope.
5. Papilloma
Papillomas may be associated with viral infections. Repeated viral irritation may result in red protrusions on the posterior pharyngeal wall, accompanied by symptoms such as a foreign body sensation in the throat. Treatment options may include cryotherapy or laser therapy, as recommended by a physician, using liquid nitrogen freezing or photothermal principles to remove the lesion.
It is important to note that identifying the underlying cause before targeted treatment is essential. Medications should not be used without a clear diagnosis. Additionally, maintaining regular作息 patterns and a balanced diet during treatment can promote recovery.
