Tonsil Concerns: When to Seek Further Medical Advice

Q: Tonsil Concerns: When to Seek Further Medical Advice

Hello： If there are no obvious bowel movements or painful ulcers, it is recommended to self-monitor as before, or to consult with a clinic doctor for a special examination during a cold, either in six months or a year. <br>Wishing you peace and health. <br>Sincerely, Dr. <br>Chen

Throat issues

Hello Doctor, I previously asked you about my condition.
Six years ago, I felt a small, slightly hard mass in my left tonsil, but I didn't pay much attention to it.
A year ago, I visited your hospital and had a CT scan with Dr.
Shi.
He said it didn't look like a tumor and there were no stones, suggesting it was likely hyperplastic scar tissue and didn't require treatment.
Later, I sought your opinion, and you reassured me that I could be at ease.
You mentioned that if I was still concerned, I could check in with a clinic after six months to a year.
Now, it has been about a year since my examination with Dr.
Shi, and my tonsils appear the same as before (in fact, they have looked the same for the past six years, but since it has been so long, I only remember feeling the mass six years ago; I have forgotten how it felt.
However, I have checked myself over the past two years, and my impressions have remained consistent).
Dr.
Shi previously mentioned that if it were a malignant tumor, it would grow larger within six months.
An ENT doctor at the clinic also said the same.
So, Dr.
Zheng, can I temporarily feel reassured? If I still have concerns, would it be sufficient to have my tonsils checked by the clinic doctor during a cold or after six months to a year? Thank you, Doctor.

A Kai, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/11/16

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: If there are no obvious bowel movements or painful ulcers, it is recommended to self-monitor as before, or to consult with a clinic doctor for a special examination during a cold, either in six months or a year.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2018/11/16

More Info

When it comes to concerns about your tonsils, especially regarding the presence of a hard mass that you have been monitoring for several years, it is understandable to feel anxious. Based on your previous evaluations and the reassurances provided by your healthcare providers, it seems that you have taken the right steps in seeking medical advice.
From what you've described, you had a hard mass in your left tonsil that was evaluated by Dr. Shi, who performed a CT scan and concluded that it did not appear to be a tumor or a stone, but rather likely scar tissue from previous inflammation or infection. This is a reassuring finding, as many people can have benign changes in their tonsils that do not require intervention.
The fact that the mass has remained stable over the years is also a positive sign. As Dr. Shi mentioned, malignant tumors typically grow and change over time, so the stability of your condition is encouraging. It is also important to note that the absence of other concerning symptoms, such as significant pain, difficulty swallowing, or changes in your voice, further supports the notion that this is not a serious issue.

However, it is completely normal to have lingering concerns, especially when it comes to your health. If you are still feeling anxious about the mass, it would be reasonable to schedule a follow-up appointment with your ENT specialist. Regular check-ups can provide peace of mind and allow for ongoing monitoring of any changes. You could consider returning for an evaluation in six months to a year, or sooner if you notice any new symptoms or changes in your condition.

In addition, if you experience any acute symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, or difficulty swallowing, it would be wise to seek medical attention promptly. These could indicate an infection or other condition that may need to be addressed.

In summary, based on your history and the evaluations you've received, it seems that you can feel reassured about your tonsil condition for now. However, maintaining regular check-ups and being vigilant about any changes in your health is always a good practice. If your anxiety persists, discussing these feelings with a healthcare provider can also be beneficial, as they can help you explore ways to manage your concerns effectively. Remember, your health is a priority, and staying informed and proactive is key to maintaining it.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction: When to Seek Further Medical Advice

Hello Doctor: Last week, I noticed that my erections started off firm but quickly became soft, or sometimes they weren't firm enough. This week, I visited a urologist, and after listening to my concerns, the doctor suggested it might be organic erectile dysfunction and advis...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Hello, if you can adjust your lifestyle by quitting smoking, alcohol, and betel nut, and engage in regular exercise but still experience issues, it is recommended to undergo a detailed examination as soon as possible, including a penile erection test and penile ultrasound. If you...

Understanding Glans Health: When to Seek Medical Advice

This is my question for the doctor: How should I take care of myself moving forward? Besides resting, do I need to see a doctor? I'm really worried, and are there any specific exercises or movements I can do for training? Thank you.

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Are there specific movements that can be trained or performed? --> As far as I know, there are none. Is there a need to see a doctor? --> If you are very concerned, it is advisable to consult a physician. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction: When to Seek Medical Help

If it has been more than two weeks since the incident, should I go to the hospital for an examination? How should I explain this to the doctor? What kind of examinations should I request? I apologize for the repeated inquiries!

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Hello, it is recommended to see a doctor. You should mention that you are experiencing sudden erectile dysfunction. Inform the physician about the situation and ask if further examinations are necessary. If you have any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussio...

Understanding Urological Issues: When to Seek Help for Persistent Symptoms

In the past year, I have frequently fallen ill with varying symptoms each time, consistently cycling through the same issues (headaches, generalized weakness, limb numbness, scalp tingling, dizziness, a cool sensation while breathing, abdominal pain, etc.). Recently, even my dear...

Dr. Lin Hexing reply Urology
Hello, anxious person: Based on the symptoms you described, they do not point to a specific disease. I wonder if you are currently taking any medications? Sexual dysfunction can be partially related to psychological factors, especially in younger individuals, where this factor te...