Tonsilitis or NHL?

Hi Gracie.

 This past year I was dealing with a lymphoma scare (on top of breast cancer scare).  Fortunately, so far everything seems benign but I still worry about my swollen neck lymph nodes.  Since I haven't been diagnosed with lymphoma and since I'm not a doctor I can only tell you what I've read and heard from others.

 First, do you still have your tonsils?  If so, what color is this lump?  If it's white and attached to your tonsil (not actually your tonsil) then it may actually be the gook that strep throat produces.  If you google strep throat and then look at the images, you'll see what I'm talking about.  Also, it may be a tonsil stone that is poking out of a tonsil crypt.  I get these from time to time.  If you want to check this out, gently take a Q-tip and gently scrape your tonsil and see if the gook comes off.  You can google this too.  If it does, then it's most likely not lymphoma.  You can even gently poke your tonsil with the Q-tip to see if the gook oozes out.  If so, it's either strep or a tonsil stone (it will smell horrible when you take it out).  Both are very common things and benign although I've never had a tonsil stone quite that size.

In regards to lymphoma...do you have any fevers for unknown reason?  Soaking night sweats?  Weight loss or fatigue?  Any itching?  You mention drainage, could be an infection (which would cause a lymph node to swell).  Even without the B symptoms that I mentioned, you should still see a doctor as NHL often presents with just a swollen lymph node (usually over 1 cm and firm).  Hodgkins usually presents with the B symptoms.  Do you have any swollen nodes in your neck. collar bone, armpit, or groin areas?  If so, again, could be strep or an infection as these are more common reasons for nodes to swell.  Ear infections can also cause lymph nodes to swell.

 Your tonsils are part of your lymphatic system and anywhere you have lymph tissue (nodes, spleen, skin, breast, etc.) you can potentially develop various types of lymphoma.  There are over 35.  When tonsils swell due to lymphoma, it's usually an internal swelling and not an external tumor, at least as far as I have read (again, not a doctor).  Tumors usually form in the abdomen and chest with lymphoma.  Most lymphomas are contained to the area within the lymph nodes thus causing them to swell.  I've never read of someone saying what you have said, but anything is possible I guess. 

 One other thing, have you recently seen a dentist?  Mine always does an oral cancer screening.  White stuff, can also be caused by oral cancer, although it's usually on the gums, palate (roof of mouth), or tongue.  You stated, top of your mouth.  My tonsils are in the back of my mouth and sort of on the side not top.  Are you sure the stuff you see is on your tonsil? 

 Check with your primary care doctor or if you are seeing an oncologist check with him/her.  This may even been a dentist issue.  A CT would most likely pick up a swollen lymph node if it's 1 cm unless it wasn't there when you were scanned (was your mouth included in the scan?  Mine was but I had a neck CT to see the nodes in my neck). 

I'm not really sure if what you're seeing is actually a tumor or just strep throat but definitely see a doctor.  I hope that you feel better soon and that this isn't lymphoma.

Hi Gracie.

 It may be something other than strep or a tonsil stone then. A tonsil stone is white and easily pops out of the tonsil when you can see one pepping through.  I've never had a tonsil stone hurt so it may not be stone.  If you gently press your finger or a Q-tip beside it, it will easily pop out of the tonsil.  However, after reading through your 2 posts again, it may not be a tonsil stone so let your doctor see it.  Definitely see your doctor as soon as you can and be sure to mention the fevers and weight loss.  If your fevers are above 99.9 then this could be a concern. 

 I know that my temperature goes up after I ovulate by 1 degree throughout the two final weeks of my cycle and then returns to normal.  My temp. never goes above 99.4 or 99.5.  I think 100+ is when doctors get concerned.   

 Feel better.  I'm sorry that I can't be of better help.

Gracie, I'm sorry that you're having to deal with this.  I'm sending you positive thoughts and wishes that this turns out to be nothing.

 At this point, all I can really recommend is that you see your doctor so he/she can identify what it is and how to deal with it.  Try not to worry too much about it until you find out what it actually is.  I know that's easier said than done.  Hopefully, you're worrying about something benign that can be easily removed or medicated.  Since it's causing you so much discomfort, try to get an appointment with your oncologist.  Tell the receptionist that you're in pain and need to see the doctor.  Be a PITA if necessary to get the appointment.