Question
Recently, my neighbor has been experiencing throat pain, which worsens during eating. The throat feels itchy and dry, and even drinking water does not improve the situation. Now, it’s difficult for them to swallow food. The doctor diagnosed it as tonsillitis. Does this mean there’s a possibility of having tonsil cancer?
Answer
The hardening of the tonsils may involve inflammatory and proliferative changes. If there is a cauliflower-like appearance, the possibility of tonsil cancer should be considered. It is recommended to conduct a tonsil examination and a CT scan for the patient. If the tonsils show a third-degree enlargement and there are discomfort symptoms, bilateral tonsillectomy can be considered. Pathological examination after surgery can confirm the possibility of cancer. If pathological confirmation shows cancer, comprehensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy should be performed to reduce the risk of recurrence.