First post here so here goes! Need views and opinions. Went to my GP about 5 weeks ago regarding a small cyst that I had had on my tongue for quite some time. It never really bothered me much, never changed shape, but I would occasionally catch it when eating so thought I'd get it looked at. My dentist had never mentioned it either. My GP examined my tongue and thought that it was merely a polyp and said that as I had Private cover, I should see a consultant. I duly made an appointment and went to see the specialist the following week. He examined my tongue and also stated that the polyp looked harmless and said that he could remove it at an OP appointment. He then said that he'd just like to quickly examine the rest of my neck, mouth and throat.
While he was looking in my mouth he suddenly remarked that one of my tonsils was very enlarged. He asked if this had been mentioned before, but no one had-dentist or doctor.
Next thing the polyp on my tongue was no longer of great importance and I am being booked in for an MRI scan.
The MRI indicated the enlarged tonsil and the report stated that it didn't appear suspicious, but that a biopsy was recommended (49 year old ex smoker-some years ago).
As you can imagine, I was shell shocked by what was happening-I was never aware that the tonsil was bigger than the other one-and certainly couldn't feel anything.
My consultant then said that he would speak to a radiographer specialist to see if any more information could be gained from a PET CT scan. The opinion was that it would be inconclusive.

I was then told that the next step would be surgery-a pharyngoscopy-biopsy of the tonsil (with the option to remove the tonsil if it was found to feel hard or abnormal) and removal of the polyp on my tongue.

I had the surgery at the beginning of the week and the tonsil ended up being removed-my surgeon had indicated it was ulcerated and the size of a small hens egg! He had a good look around with the camera and said everything else looked fine.
I am now at home with all the associated pain and discomfort of an adult tonsillectomy and unable to go to work. Feeling pretty miserable. The trouble is, my wife is SO sceptical about the whole issue -she is totally convinced that that I have been subjected to an unnecessary procedure as I've never had tonsil trouble and never complained of throat discomfort. I totally disagree myself, but I'm finding it difficult to convince her that it was required and feel almost guilty for having it done!!!. The histology results are due early next week .

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ANTONY,

I had a very severe tonsilitic infection. 2 weeks later i felt very ill and my neck lymph swelled up like an egg!. I began to feel better over the following few weeks and i was "monitored".
6 months later I had a cancerous tonsil removed and a radical neck dissection.My neck lymphs had developed cancerous tumours - quite large- over the course of the 6 months.. Subsequently i had a severe regime of radiotherapy.
All of this was EXTREMELY uncomfortable!!
How i wish some competent medic had removed my tonsil or lymph gland for a biopsy at a far earlier stage.
I may well have been spared some of the severer treatment
You have done well getting such reasonably prompt treatment.
tony k

Hello Antony

When I first read your post, I did think that the private cover was prompting the management but the fact is that despite your having no symptoms or discomfort, the tonsil was enlarged, unilateral (meaning less to do with past generalised infections) and you were an ex-smoker.

The MRI was to help with the diagnosis and also pick up anything more suspicious (lymph nodes) in the area. There wasn't but why was the tonsil enlarged?

Early cancer is very difficult to detect without a biopsy. The biopsy was the only way to be sure about this unilateral swollen tonsil. Hence your surgeon's decision. I agree with tony. Either way the biopsy goes, be sure to celebrate!

Best wishes

Vinod

Thank you Tony and Vinod for your comments. I never doubted my consultants opinion. I am grateful to him for spotting what obviously set alarm bells ringing. I think my wifes reaction is based on a distrust of the private health system. However, your replies have helped and I am grateful. Follow up appointment on Tuesday.

I am very lucky indeed. The result of my tonsil biopsy came back clear. My consultant was delighted as he had feared a very different outcome following my surgery. The diagnosis was chronic tonsillitis which had caused the tonsil to become so large.
If only everyone could have the news I received today. This forum is such a wonderfully supportive place to come-thankyou..

Hi Antony

This is going to sound really odd, but Congratulations on having tonsilitis!

Julia

My biopsy results!
I went very dizzy(had to lie down) and then me and my wife cried after the results of mine. My biopsy had turned out to be a 2hr surgery to remove the largest of my cancerous lymph glands. The surgeon knew it - I knew it - but up until being told( one week later)I had put myself into complete denial and was expecting a lottery result of an answer. NO WAY JOSE!!

Cancer it was most definitely was and pretty advanced at that!

What a weird day that was!! The consultant(the very superb Mr Moir) was very matter of fact - almost as if I had a bad dose of the flu! I've got cancer for fks sake I thought!!

He sent me off to get some chest x-rays and (in front of some med students) proceeded to tell me how fortunate I was that I had no secondaries in the lungs! And that he would be involved in my surgery (took place 11 days later). He said I had a good prognosis and he would see me for the surgery.
11 days later - just before I slipped into "anaesthesia world" I saw those damn students looking over me smiling!!

That was oct 2nd 2004 and I am glad to be here (still!!!)

btw Antony great news - well done - tony k