Concerns About Tonsil Health: Seeking Advice
At 21 years old, I recently visited my doctor regarding my tonsils, which they described as being in poor condition. They mentioned that a thorough examination cannot take place until the swelling in my throat subsides. However, I find the situation quite alarming. I've observed a noticeable growth on my tonsils, which appears to change position and shape. In the photo I took, I highlighted this growth for better clarity. Given these circumstances, I'm uncertain whether I should adhere to my doctor's advice and wait or explore private examination options. Currently, I have been prescribed Cataflam to reduce the inflammation. Additionally, I do not smoke, which I hope is a relevant factor in this context. Can anyone provide insight or share their experiences?
Answers (1)

6/26/2025, 6:20:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about changes in your tonsils, especially when you notice unusual growths. Based on your situation, it’s important to balance your health concerns with the advice your doctor has given. Here’s a structured approach to your concerns:
Main Points:
- You have observed a growth on your tonsils that changes shape and position.
- Your doctor has advised waiting for swelling to subside before further examination.
- You've started treatment with Cataflam to reduce inflammation.
Explanation:
Persistent changes in tonsils, such as growths, can stem from various benign and serious conditions, including infections or even growths like tonsil stones. It's concerning to you, but inflammation can often obscure clear examination results. Your doctor’s approach to wait for the swelling to decrease is standard in cases where inflammation makes examination difficult. Additionally, not smoking is a positive factor for tonsil health.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Current Treatment: Keep taking Cataflam as prescribed to help reduce the inflammation, leading to a clearer picture for your doctor later.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the appearance of the growth, such as size or color. Also, watch for new symptoms like difficulty swallowing, persistent pain, or fever.
-
Stay Hydrated and Rest: Ensuring you drink plenty of fluids and get adequate rest can aid your body's recovery from inflammation.
-
Follow Up: If the swelling persists for more than a week or if you experience worsening symptoms, it’s reasonable to reach back out to your healthcare provider to discuss your concerns. Ask if there's a possibility of expedited examination options or if you should seek a second opinion.
-
Avoid Stress: It's important to manage your anxiety about this situation. Focus on self-care, and if needed, talk to friends or family about your concerns.
If you have any more questions or require further guidance, feel free to reach out. Your health concerns are valid, and you're taking the right steps by following up on them.
Related Questions
Is Your Jellyfish Sting Healing Correctly?
Recently, I experienced a jellyfish sting while enjoying the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, specifically in the Florida Panhandle. To provide a timeline, the first image reflects my condition about 24 hours post-sting, the second at the 48-hour mark, and the final one at 72 hours later. The pain was quite intense, registering around a 7 or 8 on a scale of 10. Initially, the discomfort persisted almost continuously until the following morning; afterward, it only flared up when I accidentally touched the area. Approximately 22 hours later, as I was having a meal, I felt a sudden spike in pain that lasted about a minute. Immediately after being stung, I tried rinsing the affected area with salt water and applied wet sand, recalling that it alleviated pain from a prior sting. Unfortunately, this time it did not provide any relief. Roughly half an hour later, I returned to the condominium and opted for a 20-minute hot shower, which also failed to improve my situation. For reference, I’m a 15-year-old female, stand 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weigh around 130 pounds. Edit: I should mention that I have no known medical conditions. My daily health regimen includes two women's gummy multivitamins, one fiber gummy, and two probiotics. Additionally, I take oral contraceptives to help manage my menstrual cycle.
Post-Surgery Recovery Update
I’m a 42-year-old female, and it's been two weeks since I had a mole excised from my abdomen. Currently, the incision is healing, although the area appears slightly pink due to the stitches that are intended to dissolve over time. For the first three days after the procedure, I kept the wound covered. However, I had to remove the dressing early since I tend to have adverse reactions to adhesive materials.
Seeking Answers: Pain in My Neck Area
I am a 28-year-old woman experiencing persistent discomfort in the right side of my neck, specifically beneath the jaw. This distressing sensation has lingered for the past six months. While its intensity remains stable, it never truly subsides. The pain intensifies when I apply pressure to the affected area. Notably, I do not observe any lumps, but I do find that it is particularly painful when I try to open my mouth wide or move my tongue toward the back. My doctor initially proposed that it might be linked to fluid in my ear; however, treatment with antibiotics and steroids has proven ineffective. What could be causing this issue? I've fallen into the trap of worrying that it could be cancer. I have an ultrasound scheduled for next week, yet my anxiety continues to escalate, making me feel unwell. I am reaching out in hopes that someone might shed light on what this could potentially be.
Is There a Link Between CT Scans and Cancer Risk?
As a 38-year-old male, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, I am seeking to understand the potential risks associated with numerous CT scans I've undergone. My medical history includes pancreatitis and diabetic ketoacidosis, which subsequently led to the formation of a significant abscess around my pancreas that went undetected initially. This has resulted in approximately 11 CT scans and one CT-guided drainage procedure. Given these circumstances, I am concerned about the extent to which my lifetime risk of developing cancer may have escalated. It’s quite unsettling to contemplate the implications of these scans on my long-term health.
Assessing the Damage to My Finger
At 26 years old, I’ve recently become aware of some discomfort in my right index finger, which began two days ago. The soreness and stiffness are quite notable; it feels as if it’s in need of a crack, yet it won’t budge. Although I can still move it, there’s a slight pain accompanying the motion. Given that I have carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands, I suspect this might have some connection, though I’ve never experienced these symptoms in my finger before. Could it be possible to suddenly develop arthritis in just a single finger?