Chronically enlarged tonsils following a SINGLE infection?

[Haddock_Entrap_Propulasion]

About 4 and a half years ago, when I was 15 (almost 16) I got some kind of throat/tonsil infection...I'm guessing it was viral because there was exudate but multiple tests for strep came back negative.  Since then, my tonsils have been very enlarged, generally 2+ or 3+, and a couple lymph nodes around my jaw have been swollen as well, although not severely.  I do not have an extensive history of throat or tonsil infections before then.  I have a small handful of other health problems, but most of those have a readily identifiable cause, the exception being orthostatic hypotension, which I have had for a little over a year now.  Aside from low vitamin D my CMP is normal, as are my CBC and Thyroid (as of this past June).   I am uninsured but have some healthcare access through a free clinic.  Any thoughts on what could have caused this and what steps, if any, I should take?

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Understand your predicament. But initially a fine needle aspiration cytology or a lymph node excision can help clinch the diagnosis.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[Haddock_Entrap_Propulasion]

My white count is normal, so if it's an infection it is *really* keeping its head down.  And they told me that normal CBC and the fact that I'm not dead yet kind of rule out lymphoma, although that was my initial guess and it's still something I'm concerned about.  I get health insurance starting in january, so I'm gonna start approaching tonsillectomy at that point. Scary concept though...I'm a singer, so the thought of someone mucking about with a scalpel that close to my vocal folds makes me nervous.  

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Chronic tonsillar enlargement can be due to the tonsils harboring infection. This is more so as the lymph nodes are also emlarged. If it is acusing reccuring symptoms, this is an indication for tonsillectomy. But sometimes the enlargement could also be due to lymphoma of the tonsils. Discuss these options with your consulting doctor.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.