Throat Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Attention

Throat issues

Hello doctor, in the past few months, I have seen many doctors regarding my right throat pain, which sometimes extends to my ear.
A doctor performed a nasal endoscopy and noted some swelling, possibly due to gastroesophageal reflux.
After taking medication, I felt somewhat better, but as shown in the image (https://ppt.cc/fYBsYx), I reported to the doctor that there is a bubble-like structure below my tonsil that hasn't gone away.
After about a month, he mentioned that a tumor has been ruled out, but I may need to undergo electrocautery.
Should I go to a larger hospital for further evaluation? If I ignore this bubble, will it have any consequences?

77, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/20

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, based on your description, if there is a strong suspicion of a tumor, a biopsy is usually required for further examination.
I recommend discussing this in detail with your surgeon.

Reply Date: 2023/05/20

More Info

When it comes to throat pain, particularly when accompanied by symptoms such as ear pain and the presence of a lump or blister-like formation, it is essential to approach the situation with caution and seek appropriate medical attention. Based on your description, it seems you have already consulted multiple doctors and undergone a nasal endoscopy, which indicated some swelling possibly related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). You mentioned that medication has provided some relief, but the persistent lump below your tonsils raises concerns.

Firstly, it is important to understand that throat pain can arise from various causes, including infections, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux, and even more serious conditions such as tumors. The fact that you have a lump that has not resolved over a month warrants further investigation. While your doctor has suggested that it is unlikely to be a tumor, it is crucial to monitor any changes in size, shape, or associated symptoms.

If the lump persists or worsens, or if you experience additional symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, significant weight loss, persistent fever, or changes in your voice, it is advisable to seek further evaluation from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They may recommend additional imaging studies, such as a CT scan or MRI, to assess the area more thoroughly. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to rule out malignancy or other serious conditions.

Regarding your question about whether ignoring the lump could lead to complications, it is generally not advisable to leave any persistent abnormality unexamined. While many lumps in the throat can be benign, such as cysts or reactive lymph nodes, there is always a risk that a more serious condition could develop or be present. Early detection and intervention are key to managing any potential issues effectively.

In summary, while your current treatment for GERD may help alleviate some symptoms, the presence of a persistent lump in your throat should not be overlooked. It is prudent to follow up with a specialist who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and determine the best course of action. If you feel uncertain or uncomfortable with the current management plan, seeking a second opinion from another ENT specialist or a larger medical facility may provide you with additional insights and peace of mind. Remember, your health is paramount, and being proactive about any concerning symptoms is always the best approach.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Uvula Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention for Throat Pain

Hello, I have had a sore throat for about four days without any other cold symptoms. This afternoon, I started coughing, and tonight I noticed that two-thirds of my uvula has turned bright red, but there is no bleeding. I also feel a foreign body sensation in my throat, and the t...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, throat inflammation and redness are common. It is advisable to drink plenty of water and monitor the situation. If discomfort persists, or if there are symptoms such as fever or difficulty swallowing, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation and treatment.

Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. For the past few days, I've been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body in my throat, along with a sharp pain. The pain is consistently located just above the line of my collarbone. Swallowing saliva provides slight relief, but the discomfort returns short...

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the situation you described may be indicative of chronic pharyngitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention for a laryngoscopy to rule out the presence of any masses, as well as to consider pharmacological treatment. In addition to medication, please keep the followi...

Severe Sore Throat: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a sore throat for a week now. The pain feels as if there is a hole inside, and when I speak, it feels like the muscles in my throat are being torn apart, causing excruciating pain. Swallowing food is even more difficult! I also frequently fe...

Dr. Cai Hongyan reply Otolaryngology
It is highly likely that a viral or bacterial infection is causing severe throat pain. It is advisable to consult a professional otolaryngologist for localized treatment, which can quickly alleviate some symptoms. It is also important to stay hydrated; otherwise, there is a risk ...

Chest Tightness and Throat Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Attention

Hello doctor, I have been experiencing chest tightness and throat pain for the past week or two. However, it doesn't hurt when I drink water. Occasionally, I have a cough, and when I cough, I feel sharp pain in my chest and throat. I visited a clinic near my home, and the pr...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your symptoms, it is indeed most likely a respiratory infection. However, if you experience persistent fever, ongoing chest pain, or continuous shortness of breath, you should consider seeking medical attention to check for other issues or to rule out the possibil...