Hi, well I've had a problem with my throat for the last year and a half. I had an infection in March 03, and found a small hard lump on my soft palette. I was very concerned and didn't metion this to my doc, hoping he'd notice it himself. It's about the size of a peanut. I had severe difficulty swallowing during that time, but this was due to the throat infection. I had to see a nose+throat specialist and they ruled out anything suspicious. However, almost a year and a half later, I still have this peanut sized hard lump on my soft palette. I get anxious a lot, and my throat causes pain, but I am too scared to go back and see him about it. I am not a heavy smoker, but tend to drink and smoke at the same time on weekends. Does anyone have any advice. If it was cancer, and the doctors missed it, what might happen? It hasn't changed size, just becomes sore depending on me. Could it be a cyst or ulcer? Why won't it go away?

Hello Grant

A bump of extra bone called a torus is present in the midline of the hard palate, it may be minimal or very enlarged. So, it is most probably just be a normal structure, you have just noticed recently. That may be why your doctors paid it no attention!

For more information and pictures of normal appearances, please see Fig. 1.24 and Fig. 1.25 in this article called Examination Technique with Normal Findings and Structures Mistaken for Disease.

Hope that gives you something to reduce your worry. You must see your dentist for a definitive diagnosis and ask about it - it is never good to ignore anything in the mouth you are worried about.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee:

Hi, thanks for your reply. The lump is not on the hard palate, but on the soft palate, to the left a bit. Its very prominent, but has been the same size since I found it. That is also the area which cause me distress and pain when I get anxious. I will see my dentist about it first I think, but have to say this is a great website to help ease some of the worry. Thank you.

Welcome Grant, There are so many things this could or could not be, however to be on the safe side, I beg you to please get this looked at so you can rest once and for all. In the long run you will be glad that you did. Always, Vicki Lynn

Hello Grant

You might find this Guide to Normal Oral Tissues of the Mouth to be of help in identifying what is normal. The links given will take you to images of normal tissue appearance.

Best wishes
Vinod

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,

Hi, thanks for your advice all - you are all very kind. I have made an appointment with a doctor and have started to think a bit more rationally and trying not to worry too much until they have looked at it proper. However, I have a question to ask though if anyone can help me. When I was looking at what it could possibly be, I found something on the internet which looked quite similar (I probably shouldn't do this as it makes me worry more about it). An "accessory tonsil", found on the soft palate near the uvula, just to the left in my mouth. Does anyone know if this is common? It may have come after a serious bout of tonsilitus. It is quite firm, small and round, pink coloured like the skin and painless. As I said before, it has been there for over a year and was ignored by both my doctor and ENT. However, it still causes me anxiety and worry by just being there, and I also suffer swallowing pain and tonsil problems/mouth ache as a result, which I guess are making me paranoid. Has anyone come across this thing before, as they said it does often resemble a tumour, although a benign one at that. Can it remain for over 18 months? Do you know of any treatments? Thanks again for all your advice. Am sorry to ask such stupid questions whe other people are very poorly, but it helps me to sleep.

Grant, Papa always said there is no stupid questions only dum answers. LOL. A little southern humor there. We have all asked so many questions on this site that I am sure many have shook their heads, but if it is on our minds this is the place we should be able to ask. I wish I could help you with it, but I am sure there is someone on here that can. I am so so happy you made a appt. to see a doctor...Keep us posted..In my thoughts, Vicki Lynn

Hi Grant, I was another of those stupid worriers. You know the thoughts - like am I a hypocondriac or what? I found just putting my worries in writing helped and when people answered and were concerned I felt a lot better. I finally got the courage to have myself checked out and great stuff I was clear. The wondering is far worse so stop looking stuff up or you'll end up thinking you have allsorts and get yourself checked. IT CAN'T BE WORSE THAN WHAT YOU ARE THINKING! Lecture over and good luck. I will be sending good vibes your way. Biker