Swollen tonsil - lymphoma?

[catsandlavender]

Ok so I don’t actually think this is lymphoma. I’ve been told by my GP that “it’s probably fine” essentially because I’m only 26, but no one has actually seen me, I’ve only been spoken to over the phone.

My right tonsil is swollen, not huge, but noticeable and much bigger than the other. I also have raised yellow/orange painless bumps all over my throat, which I’ve been told is because of mucus overproduction.

I’ve got quite bad hayfever that’s started this year. My GP basically put all this down to that but my tonsil hasn’t changed size at all or gone down for about a month and everything online says that’s a worry! The first GP I spoke to said “maybe we will do a blood test” but the second one when I called back as instructed just said “it’s fine, you’re 26”. 🤔

Anyone had anything similar? I have no other concerning symptoms.

[NaomiFromMilkShake]

Your age is irrelevant, I am not saying there is a problem, but if it is non vascular then a blood test is sod all use.

Go back and insist on a referral.

[catsandlavender]

Naomi she basically said they would do a blood test for lymphoma if it didn’t go away, but the other GP said it can be common in younger people. Just seems conflicting.

[NaomiFromMilkShake]

Go back and insist, if it something then you are on to it, if it is nothing then you will know.

Is it accompanied by any ear pain or pain on swallowing ?

[catsandlavender]

Nope, no other symptoms at all. No tiredness, pain, no swollen lymph nodes in neck, etc

[NaomiFromMilkShake]

In that case give it another few weeks and see what happens.

But just remain mindful of it.

[aestas]

Hi OP- I don't want to terrify you but I had exactly the same minus bumps and was given a two week referral to ENT. Long story short I had a tonsillectomy and it came back as lymphoma. My bloods were normal and I haven't had any other lymphoma symptoms.

I would add that a lymphoma diagnosis sounds a lot worse than it has been in reality. I'm not on any treatment at present and might not need any for a very long time.

[catsandlavender]

aestas sorry to hear that but I’m glad you’re not needing any treatment right now! The GP said that the bumps, which are called cobblestone throat, are indicative of an allergic inflammation (due to hayfever) which she said she thinks the tonsil is down to. She did say that without the bumps she would be more worried 🤔

[MagnoliaJustice]

I think if there was any likelihood you have lymphoma, at 26, you would have been immediately referred to an oncologist. My brother was diagnosed with NHL at a similar age and started treatment (chemo) within days. I wouldn't think you have anything to be concerned about.

[NaomiFromMilkShake]

Magnolia

I beg to differ, not going into in detail it on here, but I was treated for months for a strep throat, when someone decided to think out of the box I was then on a very fast pathway.

[Dreamersandwishers]

@catsandlavender please insist on a referral.
I am a lot older than you, but had same symptoms including a really bad hay fever season and it was lymphoma. My tonsil was swollen for about a month before I saw gp and it was immediate referral.
I am fine now, so it can be fixed.

[catsandlavender]

Dreamers did you have the throat bumps? I think it’s called cobblestone throat.

[Dreamersandwishers]

No that was not mentioned, I had a lot of white mucous on my throat though. Sorry, did not mean to worry you, but I didn’t fit the profile either I just had a go who had seen my exact presentation before.
Truly hope your is an allergic reaction though and you are better soon.

[catsandlavender]

No, it’s fine! I’m not overly worried, I also have a family member who is a doctor who had a look and she said it looks fine, it’s just so conflicting with what I read online, and I don’t really understand all the in-depth studies that talk about malignancy rates!
I think I’ll just phone on Monday and ask for a referral. Do you mind my asking if you had any other symptoms other than the mucus?

[catsandlavender]

And I’m so glad you’re better now!

[Dreamersandwishers]

Other symptoms were extremely itchy legs, maybe a bit of weight loss but not much, and my fitness levels were going down. GP asked about night sweats but I can’t say that was an issue.
I did a lot of gym classes at the time and my ‘numbers ‘ in spin class were off - lower wattage output, lower average speed. Didn’t recognise that until after my diagnosis though.

[Dreamersandwishers]

Oh and thanks for your good wishes. Likewise, hope you get the all clear and quickly.

[catsandlavender]

Yes I’ve heard about the itchiness! Such a random thing that I would never put down to cancer?! I will phone on Monday. Most likely will be absolutely fine, but I’d rather know!! Thank you so much, and thank you for replying

[CherrySpritz]

@MagnoliaJustice

I think if there was any likelihood you have lymphoma, at 26, you would have been immediately referred to an oncologist. My brother was diagnosed with NHL at a similar age and started treatment (chemo) within days. I wouldn't think you have anything to be concerned about.

Sadly, this should be the case but I really would not be this confident.