Oral Symptoms: Concerns About Tonsil and Nerve Issues - Otolaryngology

More Info

---

Hello,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your oral symptoms, which have persisted for nearly ten months. It’s understandable to feel anxious about these issues, especially when they involve sensations like numbness, burning, and changes in taste, along with the discomfort in your tonsils and the presence of white patches in your oral cavity.

Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that could potentially involve both neurological and local oral issues. The numbness and altered taste on the left side of your tongue could indeed suggest a neurological component, possibly involving the nerves that innervate the tongue and surrounding tissues. The burning sensation in the oral mucosa could be indicative of a condition known as burning mouth syndrome, which is often linked to nerve damage or dysfunction, hormonal changes, or even psychological factors.

The enlargement of your left tonsil and the presence of a white patch in the oral cavity are particularly concerning. While the white area could be due to a benign condition such as a fungal infection (like oral thrush), it could also represent a more serious issue, including precancerous changes or malignancy. The fact that you have undergone a biopsy is a prudent step, as it will provide clarity on the nature of the lesion. The results of the biopsy will be crucial in determining whether there is any malignancy present.

Regarding the odor you mentioned, it could be related to several factors, including chronic inflammation, infection, or even post-nasal drip due to sinus issues. The connection between your nasal inflammation and the oral symptoms is not uncommon, as the throat and nasal passages are interconnected.

As for your concerns about the possibility of oral cancer, it’s important to remember that early detection is key. If the biopsy results indicate malignancy, the stage of the cancer will depend on various factors, including the size of the lesion and whether it has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. However, it’s also possible that the symptoms you are experiencing are due to a less severe condition.

In terms of treatment, if the biopsy shows an infection, the duration of antibiotic therapy can vary, but typically, a course of 7 to 14 days is common, depending on the severity of the infection and the specific antibiotic prescribed. If the symptoms persist despite treatment, further evaluation may be necessary, including imaging studies or additional biopsies.

I recommend that you continue to follow up with your healthcare providers, particularly the ENT specialist who performed the biopsy. They will be able to interpret the results and guide you on the next steps based on the findings. Additionally, if you have not already done so, consider consulting with a neurologist to address the sensory symptoms you are experiencing, as they may provide further insights into any underlying nerve issues.

In conclusion, while it’s natural to worry about the worst-case scenarios, it’s essential to await the biopsy results and work closely with your healthcare team to address your symptoms comprehensively. Please ensure you maintain open communication with your doctors about any new or worsening symptoms, and do not hesitate to seek a second opinion if you feel it is necessary.

Wishing you the best of health and a swift resolution to your concerns.