SWOLLEN TONSIL-ONE YEAR

[itakenames]

Alright, I'm 18, desperate for an answer.
Desperate for someone to tell me what is wrong with my throat.
I chose the cancer forum because hey, maybe I have throat cancer.

Anyway, my left tonsil has been swollen for almost one year this coming February.
It never hurt, it never felt awkward, it was completely constant, I've never had strep or any other crazy throat irritation.
It's SIGNIFICANTLY larger than the other. When people look at it they go "OH gosh! You should get that looked at"

And I have. First by my family doctor who said "Its just naturally bigger" then by an ear nose and throat specialist who said "It could be a slight case of tonsilitis and if its not bothering you, it should go away, if it starts to bother you give us a call" then proceeded to sit there and stare at me like that was all I was going to get and THEN I found a new doctor and was tested for lupus, leukimia (I think I spelled that wrong) and strep. Nothing. She said that if it's not bothering me, it should be fine. My parents are worried but don't know what else to do, plus I'm always paranoid that im dying... so yeah.

I'm angry, I'm worried, I'm frustrated, I'm scared beyond all reason.
If ya'll need to see pictures, I'll take them.
I don't want my tonsils out considering everyone says they're so important.
Lately my tonsil has been looking "pitty" like its starting to get holes in it, and so has the right, normal one.  
Granted I don't know what a normal tonsil looks like anymore, so I could just be being paranoid.

Someone help.
I'm just a freaked out kid wanting an answer.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  It is very possible for your tonsils to be inflamed or swollen for a prolonged period if you have a mouth infection that has not been adequately treated.  If you have recurrent bouts of colds and cough, or  if you have dental caries or a gum infection (gingivitis), these could all lead to tonsillar swelling.  

Is there a chance that your swollen tonsil is cancerous?  Some factors, such as cigarette smoking, or a strong family history of malignancy, may increase your risk of developing cancer, but I would think that you have a LOW risk, given your present age.  Lymphoma could present as a swollen tonsil, but some other symptoms are usually present, like swollen neck nodes, fever and night sweats.  If your condition really bothers you, you can have a biopsy of that tonsil done, but I really don't think this procedure is necessary at this point.

[itakenames]

Alright, I know I don't have any mouth infections, I honestly can't remember the last time I had a cold or cough, and I did for forget to mention that my left lympnode in my neck is slightly swollen along with my largely swollen left tonsil.
I just want to bawl my eyes out I'm so frustrated.