AboutJason Bhan Expertise Insights into and general advice on the diagnosis, management and care to children and adolescents with behavior disorders, mood disorders, drug addiction, or social adjustment disorders.
I will not give specific treatment recommendations or perform online consultations.
Experience I am a board certified Family Physician with a special interest in pediatric and adolescent health. I have experience with pediatric and adolescent mood disorders (including ADD, ADHD, depression, Autism, and Autism spectrum disorders.
Organizations American Medical Association
American Academy of Family Physicians
Education/Credentials MD - 2000
Board Certification ACFP (American College of Family Physicians) - 2003
Expert: Jason Bhan Date: 5/6/2008 Subject: My Tonsils
Question Hi,
I'm a 19 year old female and about one month ago I had a really bad sore throat. It was red, raw and there were white spots on my tonsils and at the back of my throat. I made an appointment with my GP, but by the time the appointment date came around, my throat had essentially cleared up. I gave the appointment to my brother because, unlike myself, he had a fever.
Thing is, it's been almost one month since my throat cleared up but my left tonsil is still swollen. My tonsils are practically flat against my throat and I've never noticed them before. There's no pain, and I have no other symptoms but the one swollen tonsil. I've made another appointment with my GP, but it isn't until the 15th. Is this something I should be worried about, or is it just some sort of carry over from the sore throat that I had? I'll admit to being a little bit of a hypochondriac, which really doesn't help, not to mention all of the things I've read on the internet suggesting some pretty crazy stuff that a swollen tonsil can indicate (uh, cancer, anyone?) so I've freaked myself out pretty well. I was just wondering if there is any point in worrying myself.
Thanks!
Answer Kelly,
Tonsils staying swollen for a few weeks after an infection is not unusual. I understand your fears and your internet search on one tonsil being swollen, if a bit hasty, is accurate. There are reports of one swollen tonsil being a sign/symptom of certain types of caner. This is rare and your appointment on the 15th is a perfect time frame. That gives the tonsil a few more weeks to calm down and when your physician sees it (and you very much need your doctor to see it so they will have a comparison in the future) so make sure you keep the appointment - then they can judge what follow up - if any is needed. They will likely check your neck for other swollen lymph nodes (yes, that's what tonsils are) and note them for comparison later if there are any.
In the meantime, don't worry or obsess about it. If the symptoms return head into the doctor earlier. If the tonsil gets large enough to cause trouble swallowing or breathing, seek emergency care (very unlikely), otherwise, keep your appointment with your doctor as you scheduled it.
