- Written By: Patti Kate
- Edited By: Lauren Fritsky
- Last Modified Date: 22 March 2012
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2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
An individual may occasionally notice what looks like a small white lesion or spot on a tonsil. This is typically known as a tonsil cyst or tonsillar cyst. A tonsil cyst is a pouch-like vesicle filled with fluid or pus typically protruding from a tonsil. Most frequently, these tonsil cysts are benign, although in some cases, cancer may be present. A benign tonsil cyst can become infected if not treated in a timely manner.
There are danger signs and warnings to look out for with cysts that have formed on the tonsils. Difficulty in swallowing or anything that prevents the patient from eating normally should be brought to a doctor's attention. General bleeding from the area is not typical with tonsil cysts, although some cases may differ.
Tonsil cysts differ from tonsil stones, which are known as tonsilloliths. A tonsil cyst is generally softer and not solid as a stone would be. Cysts seem more like bumps in appearance. With the presence of cysts located on the tonsils, the typical procedure involves a physician performing a biopsy of the tissue. This is done to examine the cells and ensure there are no signs of cancerous tissue present. A doctor can generally tell if the cyst is infected by the fluid matter that drains from it.
In some patients who suffer from frequent sinus infections or inflamed tonsils, fluid can become trapped and form into a 'pocket.' This sac then becomes a tonsil cyst. Under most circumstances, the doctor might decide to remove the cyst, unless it shows signs of draining on its own. Typically, the doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat the infection or prevent one from developing. If the tonsils are inflamed and infected, the physician may consider removing them through a surgical procedure known as a tonsillectomy.
In many cases, a general practitioner may refer the patient to a specialist who treats diseases and conditions of the throat. Such a physician is an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT), professionally known as a otorhinolaryngologist. The specialist, who is typically qualified to perform surgery, will most likely have recommendations for the patient. He may tell his patient to refrain from smoking, as this can cause further irritation. Gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash might also be recommended.
If a patient requires removal of the tonsil cyst as well as a tonsillectomy, the physician generally prefers to wait until the infection has been cleared. This is generally after a 10-day course of antibiotic treatment and evaluation. It is considered to be safer to operate when there are no signs of infection present.
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anon256624
Post 5 |
A tonsil cyst doesn't hurt or bleed. It's a yellowish looking rounded and smooth bump. With strep or a throat infection, you would more than likely have a sore throat and redness. It would appear irritated. Tonsil cysts are painless. In my case, I didn't even know I had one until I went to have my stuffy ear looked at. The doctor saw it when checking my throat. My ENT said to leave it alone as long as it doesn't bother me. But definitely go see your ENT. |
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anon133315
Post 4 |
I've had infectious mononucleosis in June. It began with severe tonsillitis which was mistreated with a antibiotic that put me in hospital due to an allergic reaction. Had two other antibiotics in the next 10 days. A week ago my annual rhino-secretion at the back of my throat began which led to a very bad throat ache, swollen lymph nodes and tonsils. On the third day it began to look like tonsillitis and the pain got even greater with a fever of 37,4 C (not more). I've been treating my tonsils with whatnot, gargling, granophorin, soda, in an attempt not to take an antibiotic because my immune system had already been shattered enough. Now a week later my throat doesn't hurt anymore, nor my nodes. It's just that there is a small (or not so anymore) hole in my left tonsil which is constantly filling up with white fluid which i swallow then it fills back in immediately. It's insane! My doctor still doesn't have the idea of tonsil cyst. I feel like I'm fighting alone against that thing and nobody cares or knows what's going on!? The test says i have no bacterias which may cause an infection. So what the heck? Can a cyst be nonbacterial? -- Yoana |
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closerfan12
Post 3 |
I have recently been feeling a lump in my throat kind of around where I would think the bottom of my tonsils would be, so I'm starting to wonder if I might have a tonsil cyst.
Of course, it's so low down in my throat that I'm also a little worried that it could be a laryngeal cyst. When I typed in my symptoms on webMD, they said that I could possibly have a laryngeal cyst, a tonsil cyst, a submandibular cyst, or a parotid tumor!
All those sound kind of scary, so I'm really not sure which one I'm "hoping" it is. I really hate going to the doctor, so I've been putting it off, but I'm afraid I may have to just bite the bullet and go, since it really is quite sore.
Before I go though, what do you guys think could be going on? |
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FirstViolin
Post 2 |
@Charlie89 -- I'm not sure how a doctor would tell the difference between a tonsil cyst and a tonsil infection, but here's what I would think they would look for.
The main symptoms of a tonsil cyst, according to the article, are pain swallowing and occasional bleeding. These differ quite considerably from most throat infections, which usually include a fever and more blister-like growths, rather than a big cyst.
Although the article does also say that the doctors usually take a biopsy -- so maybe you're right, maybe it is a hard diagnosis.
But if you're tonsils turn white, you're going to be going to the doctor anyway -- so what are you worried about? |
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Charlie89
Post 1 |
How can you tell the difference between a tonsil cyst and, say, a severe case of tonsilitis or strep throat? I mean, without doing a test.
Does a tonsil cyst show up differently than a normal tonsil infection or swollen tonsil, or do they usually appear the same?
I guess I'm just wondering about how doctors diagnose these things to begin with. I mean, with a nasal cyst or an ear cyst it's not like you've got a whole lot of other options when you see something up there, but with a tonsil cyst, it could easily be confused for something else.
So the next time my tonsils turn white, should I be worried about a tonsil cyst, or is it most likely just a case of strep? |
