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Swelling at tonsil area at anterior arch
Hi, I'm having this swelling at tonsil area at left anterior arch of tonsil since feb which irritates me while I speak and eat. Any idea what it could be. Initially started with pharyngitis and did take antibiotics course but this has been still there.
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Hi, I am Dr. Atul Kumar Nimawat MS ENT.
Persistent swelling at the anterior tonsillar pillar, especially after an episode of pharyngitis, could be due to a few possible reasons:
Chronic Granulomatous Inflammation – Following acute pharyngitis, some patients develop localized chronic inflammation or fibrosis in the anterior pillar, leading to persistent swelling and discomfort.
Lymphoid Hyperplasia – Enlargement of lymphoid tissue in response to repeated infections can mimic a mass-like lesion.
Tonsillar Cyst / Retention Cyst – Small mucous cysts can form near the tonsillar area, causing irritation.
Peritonsillar Scarring or Residual Abscess – If the initial infection was deep-seated, residual inflammation or fibrosis might persist.
Less Common but Important Causes – Any persistent unilateral swelling must be examined to rule out neoplastic changes (like tonsillar carcinoma or lymphoma), although rare, especially if associated with weight loss, ear pain, or change in voice.
Next Steps
Get an ENT examination with indirect laryngoscopy or oropharyngeal endoscopy to evaluate the exact nature of the swelling.
If needed, FNAC or biopsy can help confirm the diagnosis.
Health Tips
Avoid spicy/hot food, and maintain good oral hygiene.
If symptoms persist or worsen, a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the neck may be advised.
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