Aa
slightly asymmetric tonsils normal?
Hi really not sure where to post....
Two days ago I got a scratchy pain in my throat a few times in the day on the right side (usually when my throat was v dry i.e. just waking up on morning). I had a look in my mouth and the back of my throat was a bit red on the right side that was scratchy, not the tonsil but the bit just infront and neither tonsil looked swollen. It doesnt feel like a sore throat usually does, not sure if this is anything to be concerned about?
From looking in my mouth I noticed that my left tonsil (so the opposite side to where i felt pain) was slightly larger than the right tonsil i.e. it kind of comes forward more and seems to be a bit longer than the right, not sure what shape tonsils should be but mine look kind of lumpy with what looks like holes..... It has always been like this, not sure when first noticed it but quite a number of years ago. I had tonsilitus a few times as a kid up to about age 13, and sometimes get the odd sore throat if have a cold for about 2 days, but nothing out of the ordinary. I have read that asymmetric tonsils could be a sign of cancer but as I say mine have been like this a long time. Its something ive never given much thought, but im now just a little concerned given the scratchy pain I had (even though its not on the side of the larger tonsil and the larger tonsil isnt higely bigger). Can tonsils be asymmetric and be normal, like could this just be how my mouth is?? Ive read that the pocket where the tonsil sits can be shallower on one side even making one tonsil just appear bigger. Thoughts, experiences appreciated, thanks
Two days ago I got a scratchy pain in my throat a few times in the day on the right side (usually when my throat was v dry i.e. just waking up on morning). I had a look in my mouth and the back of my throat was a bit red on the right side that was scratchy, not the tonsil but the bit just infront and neither tonsil looked swollen. It doesnt feel like a sore throat usually does, not sure if this is anything to be concerned about?
From looking in my mouth I noticed that my left tonsil (so the opposite side to where i felt pain) was slightly larger than the right tonsil i.e. it kind of comes forward more and seems to be a bit longer than the right, not sure what shape tonsils should be but mine look kind of lumpy with what looks like holes..... It has always been like this, not sure when first noticed it but quite a number of years ago. I had tonsilitus a few times as a kid up to about age 13, and sometimes get the odd sore throat if have a cold for about 2 days, but nothing out of the ordinary. I have read that asymmetric tonsils could be a sign of cancer but as I say mine have been like this a long time. Its something ive never given much thought, but im now just a little concerned given the scratchy pain I had (even though its not on the side of the larger tonsil and the larger tonsil isnt higely bigger). Can tonsils be asymmetric and be normal, like could this just be how my mouth is?? Ive read that the pocket where the tonsil sits can be shallower on one side even making one tonsil just appear bigger. Thoughts, experiences appreciated, thanks
It is unlikely to be a cancer, but I would suggest a visit to ENT surgeon. To give a peace of mind.
Nothing to worry about, good luck
Nothing to worry about, good luck
Hi the slightly large tonsil doesnt look particularly any redder than the other, it doesnt actually seem swollen at all just bigger than the other tonsil, and he never mentioned the slight redness in the throat, (this may be from me constantly opening my mouth to have a look, oops). Is the yes I should go see someone else as he might have missed something or that I should trust him? or yes he sounds right and I should trust him. I dont have any other symptoms such as fever, low immune system, tching etc, nor is there any pain in the back of my throat i.e. I dont have a sore throat nor does my tonsil hurt when touched. I can however feel the slightly larger tonsil sometimes when I swallow (it doesnt obstruct anything, I just get a slight sense there is something in my throat for a sec, this is because I think the tonsil touches a part of my throat the other tonsil doesnt touch, but as I say the doc I went to see said that you wouldnt have one sypmtom on its own and that id be having other things that I thought werent right, he checked my neck for lumps and found nothing and ive never had a lump in my neck.
He just said people arent the same and that the larger tonsil is just part of our bodies not always being symmetrical, im just a worrier about medical stuff hence why still panicing, but everyone ive spoken to does say that seeing another doc would kinda be virtually time wasting gievn what he said (Id have to see another doc at my local GP practice so it would come up I just had an appointment the other day, im in the uk).
He just said people arent the same and that the larger tonsil is just part of our bodies not always being symmetrical, im just a worrier about medical stuff hence why still panicing, but everyone ive spoken to does say that seeing another doc would kinda be virtually time wasting gievn what he said (Id have to see another doc at my local GP practice so it would come up I just had an appointment the other day, im in the uk).
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
yes! if there are no other symptoms, he is right. however if redness is persisting, consult another doctor.
Sorry my post above was a little confusing he basically said parts of our body including tonsils dont have to be symmetrical so just one tonsil slightly bigger than the other was nothing at all to worry about. Hope hes right!
I went to see a doc today (just a normal doctor at my local practice) and he listened to what I had to say thenhad a look in my mouth and although he did say one was a little bigger tonsils dont have to be perfectly symmetrical and that I shoudnt worry as I had no other symptoms linked to cancer. Should I go and see a second doctor just to make sure as they could think something different perhaps.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Please consult a doctor, preferably an ENT. This alone can put your ease your mind. It is most probably allergic. However a confirmed diagnosis cannot be given on net.
I dont suppose I can be sure the slightly larger tonsil isnt swollen but if this is the case its been swollen for the last few years!
I know its bad not to have been to docs in so long but ive never actually been particularly ill bar colds etc that have went away quickly. Im hoping the tonsil thing is nothing serious as surely if id had cancer years id be getting other symptoms by now right?
Hi
Thanks for your reply. The scratchy feeling I had on the right side isnt really there anymore and was only occassional. Its really the difference in size and the way they look that has scared me a little, the size difference isnt huge but I can def see one more than the other, also the one that looks bigger is lumpy with some red bumps, whereas the other one looks pretty flatish. Should they be at all lumpy? Im just really scared because they have always been like this, well or as far back as I remember having had a look, im just panicing that it could be something serious like cancer and that ive had it for years so it would be very very advanced by now!
Thanks though you have put my mind at rest somewhat by not mentioning that it sounds like cancer. I should probs see a doc but im very phobic of all things medical and havent seen my doctor since I was around 15!
Thanks for your reply. The scratchy feeling I had on the right side isnt really there anymore and was only occassional. Its really the difference in size and the way they look that has scared me a little, the size difference isnt huge but I can def see one more than the other, also the one that looks bigger is lumpy with some red bumps, whereas the other one looks pretty flatish. Should they be at all lumpy? Im just really scared because they have always been like this, well or as far back as I remember having had a look, im just panicing that it could be something serious like cancer and that ive had it for years so it would be very very advanced by now!
Thanks though you have put my mind at rest somewhat by not mentioning that it sounds like cancer. I should probs see a doc but im very phobic of all things medical and havent seen my doctor since I was around 15!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
If there is no problem with the tonsils then everything should be fine. The tonsils can be asymmetrical in size but not too much. The redness in front of a tonsil could be a mouth ulcer. It could also be due to gastric reflux causing constant irritation. Take an antacid gel and see if the scratchy feeling goes. It could also be due to prolonged allergy. It would be good if you could get an ENT to look at it once.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
If there is no problem with the tonsils then everything should be fine. The tonsils can be asymmetrical in size but not too much. The redness in front of a tonsil could be a mouth ulcer. It could also be due to gastric reflux causing constant irritation. Take an antacid gel and see if the scratchy feeling goes. It could also be due to prolonged allergy. It would be good if you could get an ENT to look at it once.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!
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